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"THE; 



FAMILY DOCTOR 



OR 



DISEASES 



AND 



How to Treat Them 
Their Prevention, Cause, and Cure 






THE ARMSTRONG MEDICAL COMPANY 
Battle Creek, Mich., U. S. A. 



NEW YORK, LONDON, E. C, 

) Bond Street. 59 Paternoster Row. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 189; 

by The Armstrong Medical Company, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at 

Washington, D. C. 



All Rights Reserved. 



Entered also at Stationers' Hall, London, England. 



THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 



»"! 



\ ; 




PREFACE 



THE character of the information which this vol- 
ume is intended to impart, needs no argument to 
place its importance before the public. The preserva- 
tion of health and the treatment of disease are ques- 
tions that reach the heart of every thinking man and 
woman. The middle as well as the higher classes are 
thinking and investigating for themselves at the pres- 
ent time on health subjects in preference to all other 
matters. And there is no reason why every man and 
woman of intelligence should not be well posted on 
all matters pertaining to their physical well-being. 

It is not the aim of this work to set aside or under- 
value the services of the wise physician. In fact, it is 
the greatest desire of the promoters of this enterprise 
to work and act in harmony with the educated phy- 
sician, and to place in the hands of the people the 
means of primarily warding off disease, to inculcate 
habits of health, and to impart knowledge regarding 
health, which will enable the possessor of that price- 
less boon to retain it. 

It has been sometimes urged that works of this char- 
acter tend to make the people rely on themselves 
instead of calling the services of a physician ; but in- 

[51 



6 PREFACE. 

telligent physicians are already recognizing the fact 
that their best success lies with the people that are the 
best informed. 

The aim of the author is not to give a treatise on 
physiology, anatomy, and the various uses of medi- 
cine, but rather to present in a concise and intelligible 
form information relating to the laws of health and 
their violation ; and the means within reach of the 
common family whereby health may be retained, and 
diseases treated in their incipiency in such a way that 
the system may be left free from the effects of delete- 
rious drugs. 

Especial attention is called to that portion of the 
work relating to the causes of disease and the means 
of prevention. It is an undeniable fact that preven- 
tion is better than cure. What is termed health may 
be likened to capital. If we can maintain that unim- 
paired, and by wise living and proper habits increase 
its store, happiness and long life are the certain lot of 
the possessor. Diseases in their incipiency are always 
amenable to simple treatment; and it is the special 
object of this work to place the means of treatment 
within reach of those of even ordinary intelligence, so 
that in the absence of the physician, or when one can- 
not be called, they may feel competent, and with con- 
fidence undertake to care for the patient. The old 
adage, " Tall oaks from little acorns grow," has its 
counterpart in disease. With the ready means of 
treatment at hand, the first symptoms, as noticed by 
the father or mother, can easily be controlled. The 
lack of information on these matters often leads to 



PREFACE, 7 

neglect or perhaps to loss of valuable time in sum- 
moning a medical adviser, who may be miles away, 
and may result in fatal consequences. That which 
could have been so easily controlled in the beginning, 
by the lapse of a few hours becomes unmanageable, 
and weeks and months of sickness result, with perhaps 
the loss of a dear member of the household. 

It will be noticed that the uses of water are relied 
upon to a very great extent for the alleviation and 
:ure of disease. The accompanying case of remedies 
can be used in connection with the treatments de- 
scribed ; and while one can be used independently of 
the other, yet by their combined use the best effects 
will be obtained. While we do not advocate the use 
of powerful drugs, we believe that the use of simple 
remedies for the purpose of assisting nature will have 
no permanent injury upon the constitution. The rem- 
edies contained in the case are such as are in daily use 
by the most intelligent physicians. We have no se- 
cret or startling remedies, nor do we desire that these 
shall be classed among what are known as " patent 
medicines." Every formula used in our remedies is 
the prescription of an eminent practitioner, and the re- 
sult of years of experience. While these formulas 
may be filled by any druggist, yet in our extensive 
laboratory we have means of compounding from pure 
ingredients, enabling us to supply our patrons by re- 
filling such portions of the medicine case as may be- 
come empty from time to time, at a price much below 
that at which they can be obtained at drug stores. 
We furnish with each medicine case a number of en- 



8 PREFACE. 

velopes with the printed address of the company; and 
should any of the bottles in the case become empty, 
send an order in one of our printed envelopes, and we 
will send by return mail any of the desired medicines, 
post-paid, for thirtyfive cents each. 

The Publishers. 
Battle Creek, Michigan, U. S. A. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. Introduction 15 

What is health — Nature its own healer — Source of 
disease — Disease germs — Cause of constipation — 
Constitutional defects — Disease an effort of nature — 
Effects of drugs — An overworked liver — Effects of 
condiments — Care of children — Effects of water. 

CHAPTER II. Causes of Disease 30 

Stomach the starting place — Nature's laws — Flesh 
food not a necessity — A vegetarian diet — Effects of 
hasty eating — The saliva — Iced drinks — Eating too 
frequently — Effects of drugs — Nature the restorer. 

CHAPTER III. Remedies for disease 38 

Pure air — Disease germs neutralized — Defective ven- 
tilation — Air bathing — Action of the lungs — Effects 
of contaminated air — Importance of sleep to the 
sick — Importance of water for treatment of disease — 
Office of the skin — Breathing by the skin. 

CHAPTER IV. Food and Diet 45 

Importance of the subject — Composition of food — 
Nutritive value of various foods — Proper combina- 
tions — Trichina — Flesh food stimulating — Beef-tea. 

CHAPTER V. Digestion 51 

Relation of digestion to health- — Complex process — 
Effect of air on digestion — Process of digestion — 
Action of saliva on the food — Work of the stomach — 
Bile — Pancreatic juice — Intestinal fluid. 

CHAPTER VI. Water in Health and Disease 59 

Amount of water in the body — Pure water — Proper- 
ties of water — Neglect of bathing — Importance of 
baths and treatments — The use of water. 

CHAPTER VII. Care of Infants and Children 63 

Privilege of being born well — Effects of violation of 
laws of health — Responsibility of parents — Nursing 
period — Proper food — Foundation of good health — 
Cakes and candies — Babes should have pure air. 

[9] 



IO CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. Care of the Sick 71 

Ventilation — Even temperature — Benefits of fresh air 
— Visitors — Watchers for the sick — Necessity for 
quiet — Directions for attendants — Dainties for the 
sick — Proper food for the sick — Success in detect- 
ing disease — The pulse — How to ascertain the na- 
ture of disease — General rules. 

CHAPTER IX. Pure Medicines 79 

Disease and antidote — Necessity for pure medicines 
— Causes of unreliability in medicines. 

CHAPTER X. Special Directions 81 

Remedies in tablet form — Accuracy of doses — Dose 
for adults — Dose for children — Description. 

CHAPTER XI. Baths and Treatment 85 

Effects of water upon the system — Temperature of 
water for bathing — Directions for various baths — 
Directions for treatment. 

CHAPTER XII, Fevers 102 

Fever a cleansing process — Germs — Period of incu- 
bation — How fever heat is produced — Chills — Treat- 
ment for fever — Importance of the thermometer — 
Elevation of temperature during chill — Diet for fever 
patients — Beef-tea — Critical period — Effects of drink- 
ing cold water — Directions for cold applications. 

CHAPTER XIII. Typhoid Fever in 

How the infection is carried — Milk contamination — 
Symptoms — Treatment — Remedies to use — The cold 
compress — Disinfecting fluids. 

CHAPTER XIV. Malaria 118 

Malaria prevalent in marshy districts — The malarial 
germ — Impure drinking water — Effect on the blood 
— Symptoms — Treatment — Prevention and elimina- 
tion — Diet — Bilious Fever — Typho-Malarial Fever. 

CHAPTER XV. Typhus Fever 125 

Difference between typhus and typhoid fevers — Ac- 
tion of typhus poison upon the system — Peculiar 
symptoms — Treatment — Special attention necessary. 

CHAPTER XVI. Measles 128 

Its contagious character — Period of incubation — The 



CONTENTS. It 

peculiar eruption — Treatment — High fever — Scaling 
process — Black measles. 

CHAPTER XVII. Scarlet Fever 132 

An eruptive fever — Special precautions necessary — 
Description of rash — Other symptoms — High tem- 
perature — Treatments and remedies — Disinfection. 

CHAPTER XVIII. Smallpox 139 

Symptoms — Distinct and confluent types — Secondary 
fever — Vaccination — Remedies — To avoid pitting. 

CHAPTER XIX. Chicken-pox 145 

Resemblance to Smallpox — Treatment and diet. 

CHAPTER XX. Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis 147 

Cause of this disease not known — Sanitation not a 
preventive — Description — Treatment and remedies. 

CHAPTER XXI. Erysipelas. . . 150 

Two classes of this disease — The cutaneous form — 
The surgical type — Treatment — Remedies — Diet. 

CHAPTER XXII. Acute Catarrh 153 

Congestion of the mucous surfaces — Accompanied 
by fever — Treatment — For children. 

CHAPTER XXIII. Catarrhal Fever 155 

Prevalence — How it differs from catarrh — Treatment 
and remedies. 

CHAPTER XXIV. Nosebleed 156 

Usually trivial — Sometimes serious — Treatment. 

CHAPTER. XXV. Canker — Thrush — Nursing Sore 

Mouth - 157 

Occurs in children — Symptoms — Cause — Remedy. 

CHAPTER XXVI. Toothache 158 

Usual cause — Cold — Remedy. 

CHAPTER XXVII. Brain Fever 159 

Causes — Symptoms — Treatment and remedies. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. Concussion of the Brain 161 

How received — Effects — Symptoms — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XXIX. Sunstroke. 163 

Cause — Prevention — Description — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XXX. Headache 166 

Various causes — Description — Treatment — Relief. 



12 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXXI. Sleeplessness 172 

A serious disorder — Causes — How to relieve it. 

CHAPTER XXXII. Hysteria 174 

A nervous disorder — Causes — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. Convulsions 177 

Common in infancy — Various causes — Description of 
symptoms — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. Nine-day-Fits 179 

Cause — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XXXV. Neuralgia 180 

What neuralgia is — Causes — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. Lockjaw 182 

How caused — Progress of the disease— Treatment. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. Face-ache 185 

A species of neuralgia — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. Inflammation of the Eye. . . 187 
Causes — Precautions — Directions for treatment. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. Granulated Lids 189 

Description — How to examine the eye — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XL. Styes and Cold-sores 191 

Cause — Cure — Cold-sores — Location — Remedy. 

CHAPTER XLI. Foreign Bodies in the Eye 192 

What composed of — How to remove them. 

CHAPTER XLII. Inflammation of the Ear 194 

Most common ailments — How caused — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XLIII. Foreign Substances in the Ear and 
Nose 197 

Children's habits — How to remove obstructions. 

CHAPTER XLIV. Mumps 199 

Symptoms — Duration — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XLV. Tonsilitis or Quinsy 201 

What it is — Symptoms — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XLVI. Choking, and Foreign Bodies in 

the Esophagus 204 

Partial closure — Treatment — Nutritive enemas. 

CHAPTER XLVII. Diphtheria 206 



* CONTENTS. 13 

Its great malignity — Highly infectious — Predispos- 
ing causes — Description — Treatment — Diet. 

CHAPTER XLVIII. Fainting or Swooning. . .211 

Causes— Assist nature — Treatment. 

CHAPTER XLIX. Colds and Coughs 213 

Why people take cold — How to prevent — Treatment. 

CHAPTER L. Croup 215 

Two kinds — Descriptoin of each — Treatment. 

CHAPTER LI. Bronchitis 218 

What it is — Different degrees — Remedy. 

CHAPTER LII. Whooping-cough 219 

Disease of childhood — Duration — Remedy. 

CHAPTER LIII. Pleurisy; Pneumonia; Lung Fever. 22 1 
Description of pleurisy — Treatment — Pneumonia — 
Its dangerous character — Symptoms — Treatment. 

CHAPTER LIV. Colic 225 

A derangement — Colic in infants — How relieved — 
Colic in adults — Pain in stomach. 

CHAPTER LV. Inflammation of bowels 227 

Description of the complaint — Causes — Remedies. 

CHAPTER LVI. Peritonitis 229 

Symptoms — Causes — To control the inflammation. 

CHAPTER LVII. Cholera Infantum 231 

Causes — Specific germ — Symptoms — Treatment. 

CHAPTER LVIII. Cholera Morbus 234 

First symptom — Progress of the malady — Treatment. 

CHAPTER LIX. Asiatic Cholera 236 

How different from cholera morbus — First approach 
— Collapse — Symptoms — Treatment and remedies. 

CHAPTER LX. Diarrhea 239 

Cause — Treatment for children — For adults. 

CHAPTER LXI. Dysentery; Flux; Bloody Flux. .240 
Description — Rest and quiet necessary — Treatment. 

CHAPTER LXII. Constipation 241 

Common causes — Neglectful habits — Purgatives — 
Cold water — Diet — Kneading the bowels — Enemas. 



14 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER LXIII. Worms 244 

Names and descriptions — Prescriptions and remedies. 

CHAPTER LXIV. Inflammation of Bladder 249 

Causes — Treatment and remedies — Fountain syringe. 

CHAPTER LXV. Inflammation of the Kidneys 253 

Causes — Symptoms — Stimulation — Treatment. 

CHAPTER LVI. Retention of Urine 255 

Causes — The catheter — Suppression — Treatment. 

CHAPTER LXVII. Rheumatism, Inflammatory. . .257 
Predisposing causes — Symptoms — Danger — Course 
of treatment — Care in diet. 

CHAPTER LXVIII. Freezing 260 

Sensations — Cold treatment — After treatment — Chil- 
blains — How caused — Prevention — Remedy. 

CHAPTER LXIX. Suspended Animation — Suffocation 
— Drowning 262 

Causes — Suffocation — Drowning — Instructions. 

CHAPTER LXX. 'Burns and Scalds 267 

What to do for slight burns — Blisters — Scalds — Se- 
rious burns — Clothes catching fire. 

CHAPTER LXXI. Wounds 270 

Contused wounds — Hemorrhage — Antiseptic treat- 
ment — Bruises — To prevent discoloration. 

CHAPTER LXXII. Bites of Snakes— Poisoning from 

Vines and Shrubs 273 

Effect of snake poison on the blood — Antidotes — Lig- 
ature — Poisoning from vines and shrubs — Treatment. 

CHAPTER LXXIII. Disinfection 276 

Deodorants vs. disinfectants — The best germicide — 
Rules for disinfection — Fumigation. 

CHAPTER LXXIV. Poisons and their Antidotes. .281 
Nature of poisons — Treatment — Antidotes. 



CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTION. 

WHAT is health ? This might seem to be a ques- 
tion very easily answered, but we find that 
opinions differ very widely. If one is asked in regard 
to his condition of health, he may assert that he is in 
good health, only that he suffers with a little indiges- 
tion now and then. Another one is healthy, though 
occasionally troubled with rheumatism. This may 
lead us to think that different portions of the body act 
independently of each other, but such we find is not 
the case. If a single portion of the system is in trouble 
from any cause, all other portions of the body are af- 
fected and are in sympathy with it. This is easily de- 
monstrated by the fact that if one has a sliver in his 
finger, all other parts of the body are in sympathy, and 
the cry comes up from all portions for relief, though 
the finger may cry the loudest. So in the treatment 
of disease; often the remedies are applied at points 
that seem remote from the seat of disturbance and yet 
with beneficial results. A perfectly healthy body can 
only be in that condition when all its members are in 
perfect health, and do the work that is assigned to 
them without pain or pressure or special attention. 
But we find that such conditions unfortunately are ex- 
tol 



l6 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

tremely rare. We meet frequently what are called 
strong, healthy persons; yet we find that even these 
are subject at intervals to occasional disturbances of 
their equilibrium. Under these circumstances we are 
lead to inquire into the cause of these disturbances in 
the system. We can lay down in the beginning a 
proposition which does not seem to be successfully 
controverted, — that the presence of foreign matter in 
the system is the cause of all disease. When the sys- 
tem is entirely free from all foreign matter, one can 
certainly be said to be in a state of perfect health. 
The principal mode of entrance of foreign matter into 
the system is by the mouth, or in other words, by what 
we eat and drink. And this general head may prop- 
erly be subdivided into What we eat, How we eat, and 
the Frequency of eating. 

The human system is a complicated, delicate piece 
of machinery, calculated in its normal condition to per- 
form its various operations with wonderful exactness; 
but through our own perverted methods of living, this 
wonderful machine becomes clogged, hampered, and 
finally broken down. However, the Author of our be- 
ing has placed within us the source of recovery from 
the effects of ill-advised methods of living; or, in other 
words, nature is its own healer. It is a well recog- 
nized fact among physicians, that unless there is 
enough vitality left in the patient to react on the rem- 
edies given, recovery is impossible. Nature itself must 
be roused from its dormant, or lethargic condition to 
throw off the disease which has fastened upon the 
system. 



INTRODUCTION. ■ 1 7 

We have just stated that foreign matter is the source 
of all disease, and by tracing to its source, we find but 
one cause, which simplifies our methods of treatment, 
in that we may need to use but one treatment. It is 
true that disease is manifested in a variety of phases, 
and therefore our treatment will need to be given in 
a variety of forms; still we recognize the oneness of 
disease and oneness of treatment and the one fact that 
nature itself must be the healer. Every remedy must 
therefore be an aid to nature in the effort to recover 
the equilibrium called health. 

Under the headings of Food, Digestion, etc., we shall 
take up these various topics at greater length, but we 
desire in the beginning to lay down a few principles 
for the guidance of those who may have the care of the 
sick, that they may be able in the outset to trace 
the cause of disease to its true source. We believe if 
the source of disease were better known among the 
people, there would be little use for doctors, medicines, 
or drug stores; but so long as people are wilfully igno- 
rant, and what is worse, wedded to perverted appetites, 
we presume the present conditions will prevail, al- 
though here and there are those who are seeking to 
become informed on these matters and endeavoring to 
conform their lives to the laws of nature. Nature has 
laws, and exacts inexorable penalties for their infrac- 
tion. We may cheat ourselves into the delusive hope 
that we can live as suits our taste or convenience, but 
sooner or later the penalty must be paid. 

This book and medicine case which is placed before 
the public, must necessarily find its way into families 
2 



1 8 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

of different conditions, different habits, and different 
tastes. Yet amid all these varied conditions we trust 
that the principles of proper living here laid down may- 
be such as to restore to health those who have become 
diseased, and to enable those who are in health to re- 
tain it. While the primary object of this information 
and these remedies is to place within the reach of ev- 
ery family, remedies for every case of emergency, it is 
believed that many who are only partially enjoying 
health may be benefited by following out the instruc- 
tion and information herein given. 

In taking up the source of disease (the presence of 
foreign matter in the system), it might be well to in- 
vestigate how this condition arises. When every 
organ of the human body performs its functions in a 
normal manner under normal conditions, we have that 
state of being termed " health." One of the most im- 
portant organs of the body is the stomach, and to it 
must all other parts of the body be tributary, although 
it is true that one may live for days and even weeks 
without the use of the stomach, i. e., without food. 
Yet the system during this time is feeding on that 
which has previously passed through the stomach. 
Therefore the beginning of these deposits commences 
with the stomach, and is usually attributable to im- 
proper food or overloading. Overloading may be 
caused by eating too much at one meal or by eating 
between meals, thus causing fermentation by the re- 
tention of the food for too long a period. Some of 
these matters will be alluded to farther on in this work 
under the subjects of Diet and Digestion. 



INTRODUCTION. 1 9 

Everything that passes into the stomach must be 
taken care of by the system, and the system can only 
assimilate that portion which is sufficient for its actual 
needs, and which is possessed of the proper elements 
which the system requires. We can use for an illus- 
tration the building of a brick wall, the materials for 
which should be brick, lime, sand, and water. If we 
supply the mason with other materials, perhaps chunks 
of coal, ashes, and little if any water, we shall fail to 
get the brick wall. If we fail to supply the stomach 
with the proper materials for the building up of the 
body, we shall find it in an unhealthy condition, or in 
other words, diseased. Then, again, if we supply the 
stomach even with healthy foods but in immoderate 
quantities, so that the system cannot utilize it all, it 
either imposes extra work on the organs of excretion, 
or the balance unused remains in the system. When 
the body is composed alone of healthy, living organ- 
isms, there is little room and no soil for disease germs 
to feed or thrive upon; but the presence of this foreign 
matter furnishes the conditions under which these foes 
to the human family subsist. Under normal, healthy 
conditions the body is able to ward off these intruders, 
and they find no congenial soil to fasten upon. This 
accounts for the fact that some persons seem impervi- 
ous to contagious diseases, while others, as the saying 
is, "catch everything." The eliminative organs of the 
system, the bowels, kidneys, skin, and lungs, have to 
be called upon to do more than they were designed 
for, and through our false methods of eating and living 
they are oftentimes, in fact, generally, overworked; 



20 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

and as with the body, these organs cannot maintain 
this condition of overwork for any considerable period 
of time without breaking down. The loss of power in 
the bowels gives rise to that condition known as con- 
stipation, and other kindred disorders. Loss of power 
in the lungs produces asthma, consumption, and many 
other diseases. These largely are the result of the 
overwork that these portions of the system are obliged 
to undergo through the conditions that are forced 
upon the stomach. 

It is the privilege of every one to be born well, but 
few of us have been able to avail ourselves of that 
privilege, through constitutional defects, the results of 
improper habits of our progenitors. There are but 
few who come into the world as the Creator designed 
they should; and this gives rise to another class of 
ailments known as constitutional or inherited dis- 
orders. It is not the scope of this work to treat of 
these at any length; we must take the system as we 
find it, whether incapacitated in the beginning, or later, 
by other circumstances, from properly performing the 
functions of life. 

We may take, for example, the case of one who has 
been born of consumptive parents, and by ignorance of 
the laws of health has placed within his body the con- 
ditions that invite disease, which is unfortunately not 
an uncommon occurrence. This person has a love of 
life, and perhaps family surroundings and everything 
to make existence pleasurable, with the exception of 
bodily health. The lack of this one thing clouds all 
the rest. It sits as a specter at every banquet, it 



INTRODUCTION. 21 

haunts the sleeper at night, and is a companion by 
day; and yet these conditions, so unhappily promi- 
nent, can very frequently by simple remedies and a 
right course of living be averted, and life made worth 
the living. As has been stated, these cases may 
properly be termed chronic; but all chronic diseases 
originate primarily in the digestive organs, hence it is 
easily seen what an important bearing the subject of 
food in its various phases must occupy. The reader, 
therefore, must see why we lay so much stress upon 
this topic. The man is simply what he eats and 
drinks. 

Disease in its various phases is an effort of nature 
to rid itself of incumbrances, and it is astonishing 
how, in all these various forms, disease can be re- 
solved to its oneness of origin. Therefore, if disease 
has but one origin, it must necessarily follow that it 
can have but one form of manifestation, and that this 
may be varied in its character. Disease is the out- 
ward sign of an effort of nature to regain a healthy 
condition; and this originally is in the form of some 
acute manifestation. It may be measles, scarlet fever, 
dysentery, or typhoid fever; yet with every mani- 
festation there is a oneness of indication, the one 
prominent symptom manifested being fever. This 
statement is made advisedly and after much patient 
research, namely, that there is no manifestation of 
disease in the human system without the accompani- 
ment of fever. Fever cannot exist in the body 
without something to feed upon. Therefore, if we 
eliminate from the system that which will support 



22 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

fever, we get rid at once of the cause. This is what 
nature endeavors to do, and the most that can be 
done by any method of treatment whatever is to assist 
nature. The introduction of powerful drugs into the 
system to avert any abnormal condition, is simply to 
change that condition or deaden nature in her effort 
to help herself, and so lower the vitality that this 
acute manifestation or crisis is prevented. But how? 
— By driving the disease back into the body, thus 
giving rise sooner or later to what are known as 
chronic diseases, which are manifested in varied forms; 
rheumatism, heart-disease, dyspepsia, consumption, 
etc. We can seethe importance, in the beginning, of 
man's knowing himself. It has been truly expressed 
that " the greatest study of mankind is man," and yet 
how few have pursued this wonderful theme ! 

We have alluded to the condition of sickness as be- 
ing out of equilibrium; and we might illustrate this by 
two vessels of water joined together at the bottom by 
a tube permitting free access of water from one to the 
other. Now, if we take water out of either of the ves- 
sels, the remainder will immediately regain the same 
level in both vessels, and maintain this constant level 
as long as there is any liquid left. In the human body 
the vital forces endeavor always to maintain a constant 
equilibrium. Thus, if one portion of the body be- 
comes diseased, this condition naturally affects all 
other parts of the body to a greater or less extent, 
and draws from the system what is termed vitality; 
consequently we find the expression, " the vitality is 
lowered," so that one is unable to throw off a certain 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

disease. This is simply an effort of nature to main- 
tain an equilibrium of forces, although the vital force 
may be at its normal condition, or any point between 
that and total extinction. Now it must follow that, if 
we can succeed in raising the vital force in any por- 
tion of the organism without doing it at the expense 
of some other portion, the total standard of equilibrium 
must correspondingly respond to it. In our method 
of treatment, it is the aim in every case to assist nature 
in raising the standard. Many forms of medication, 
on the contrary, deplete nature, or thwart it in its 
effort to throw off disease. These are sometimes 
called cures, in fact frequently so, while the true re- 
sults are seen later in life in the appearance of chronic 
disease, which is in reality but a manifestation of that 
which had previously been treated but not eliminated 
from the system, the conditions only being changed 
and the disease still left in the body. In getting at 
the source of disease, which we have stated usually 
originates in the stomach, we might trace the ac- 
tion of an excessive quantity of food placed in the 
stomach. This at once produces indigestion, the 
overtaxed organs being unable properly to digest a 
surplus quantity. This delays the food in the diges- 
tive canal, and results in irritation by the decay which 
takes place in that which was originally healthy food. 
Acids are developed, which produce inflammation of 
the delicate lining of the stomach and intestines. 
Gases are formed, which are absorbed by the system, 
and being of a poisonous nature, contaminate other- 
wise healthy tissues with which they come in contact. 



24 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

These gases even of themselves, unless eliminated 
from the system, must inevitably produce disease. 
The overplus of food not being able to be eliminated 
from the body because of the extra tax on the ex- 
cretory organs, also finds a lodgment in the system. 
This usually, in the beginning, leads to an accumula- 
tion of flesh; but later, the condition frequently 
changes to emaciation, even though large quantities of 
food are eaten. Such persons are frequently affected 
with what is known as biliousness, but what is really 
the result of an overworked liver. Apoplexy and 
paralysis are really the results of excessive eating. 
Any intelligent person can readily see that this mode 
of living must inevitably lead to the breaking down of 
the system, when all the eliminative organs are taxed 
to their utmost by the enormous burdens that are 
laid upon them. Very few cases are found where 
persons eat too little; but in such cases an insufficient 
supply of food simply results in a weakening of the 
system. 

Another source of disturbance of the digestive 
organs is the use of condiments, among which are 
salt, mustard, vinegar, pepper, and spices. By a 
careful chemical analysis of these articles, it is estab- 
lished that there is not a single particle of nutriment 
in any of them, or in other words, there is nothing in 
them that tends to build up the system and take the 
place of the matters that are worn out. Consequently 
these articles, when taken into the stomach, are 
treated as intruders. While the system may by habit 
and use become accustomed to these things, they must 



INTRODUCTION. 2$ 

forever be treated as intruders and as of no possible 
benefit to the body. Salt is the least objectionable of 
these, and yet is found in the system in exactly its 
normal condition, having undergone no change by 
digestion. It has been abundantly proved by experi- 
ment that man can live perfectly well without salt, 
although it is an article that is in use in almost every 
family. Salt, while not being as irritating to the 
mucous coatings of the alimentary canal as the other 
articles, has a tendency to delay and prevent the 
digestion of food. Pepper, mustard, and spices excite 
the delicate coatings of the stomach and bowels to an 
unnatural condition. By the constant use of these 
exciting substances these delicate organs become 
permanently impaired in their functions. To show 
that this statement is not overdrawn, it is only neces- 
sary for one who does not use in any degree these 
condiments, to partake of mustard pickles, and watch 
the results. The alimentary canal is about thirty feet 
long, and the experimenter will have no difficulty in 
tracing the pickles throughout the entire length of the 
digestive system, being able at any time to locate 
their exact whereabouts, and at their expulsion will 
feel, indeed, as if an intruder had taken his departure. 
Owing to the artificial methods of living into which 
the American people have fallen, it is extremely diffi- 
cult to find a table at which one may partake of a 
really healthful meal. This is unfortunate, because 
unnatural, and easily solves the problem of the exist- 
ence of patent medicines, drug stores, physicians, and 
medical colleges without number. Some of the posi- 



26 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

tions taken in this work may seem radical, yet they 
will bear the closest investigation, being the results of 
the work of students in the line of health reform, a 
work that has been in progress for many years. It is 
a fact that the Creator designed that men should be in 
health, and has placed within their reach everything 
necessary to maintain that condition; yet we find but 
few who are really healthy. The sure way to obtain 
health is by studying nature and nature's laws, and 
living in compliance with them. 

It has often been remarked that our forefathers lived 
to a good old age, and there must have been a reason 
for it. That reason we find lay in their simple meth- 
ods of living, simple diet, plenty of exercise, and fresh 
air. As the population has increased and become 
more dense, methods of living have changed, and the 
people of to-day live in an artificial condition. So, in 
pointing the way to health, we must not be deemed 
extremists if we emphasize the fact that the way leads 
through simple diet, simple habits, and an adherence 
to nature's laws. 

It is not expected that every one can at the outset 
so change his manner and methods of living as to con- 
form to the true principles of health, but every step 
tending in that direction is a gain; and if people will 
but use as much common sense in caring for them- 
selves as they would for their domestic animals, the 
question will be easily solved. There are many into 
whose hands this book will fall who have the care of 
horses/cattle, and sheep. What one is there of them 
but has studied what is best for their care, mainte- 






INTRODUCTION. 2? 

nance, and protection? Every farmer knows that in 
deviating from the simple diet which nature indicates 
is best for the animal's need, only evil results follow. 
Why are we so perverse in the treatment of ourselves 
and the loved ones who have been placed in our care? 
Can it be that we love our animals better than we 
love our children? Such may sometimes seem to be 
the case by our manner of living. The food set before 
our children is, as a usual thing, highly improper, con- 
sisting of meats, gravies, rich pastry, cakes, and pick- 
les, the whole seasoned more or less with pepper, 
mustard, and spices. No restrictions are placed upon 
the quantity to be used, and very frequently the chil- 
dren are allowed to eat between meals, and late at 
night, and then we wonder why they are sick. This 
result rests entirely upon parents. In the chapter 
on Food this question will be more fully discussed, 
We simply wish here to point out some of the ex- 
isting evils. 

The human family may be said to be surrounded by 
dangers on every side, many of them unseen, and a 
great number of them unknown to the general public. 
Investigators in bacteriology show conclusively that 
the mouth and stomach and the digestive organs are 
continually invaded by an immense number of living 
organisms, capable of producing various poisonous 
conditions, some of them powerful in their effects. 
These conditions continually exist in the system. 
When the liver, stomach, and kidneys are in a healthy 
condition, and perform their work as they should, they 
are capable of counteracting any bad effect these mi- 



28 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

crobes may exert; but when forced into a diseased 
condition by any of the causes we have previously 
mentioned, these microbes and their products may be 
increased to an enormous extent. It is a well-settled 
fact, so far as the investigations have been pursued, 
that very many diseases to which the human family 
are subject are brought about by specific germs within 
the system. Thus, we have the typhoid-fever germ, 
diphtheria germ, consumption germ, and many others. 
These, when introduced into the system, find a ready 
means of propagation if by improper living the body 
has been placed in condition to afford them a camp- 
ing-ground. 

Our large cities all have very extensive and more 
or less perfect systems of sewerage. When from any 
cause any of these sewers become clogged or sluggish, 
what is known as flushing is employed, simply turning 
water in and washing them out. While the outlets of 
the body may not strictly be sewers, yet we can use 
this as a simile, and rid the body of many of its en- 
cumbrances simply by flushing. The organs of the 
body, such as the bowels and kidneys, are capable of 
carrying off enormous quantities of matter, and usually, 
if aided by simple treatment, can avert threatened 
disease. 

Water in its various uses as applied to the human 
system is becoming better known continually; and 
the more the public become educated on this method 
of treatment, the greater seems the desire for more 
perfect knowledge. The methods recommended in 
this work are such as are easily available and readily 



INTRODUCTION. 29 

applied. While extremely powerful in their effects, 
yet with the information gained from these pages and 
the exercise of a little common sense, no harmful re- 
sults can possibly happen. If the many errors of our 
ways of living alluded to under the subjects of Food 
and Digestion, should be corrected, and the general 
public could have a fair knowledge of the importance 
of pure air, sunlight, exercise, proper diet, and proper 
dress, and should put this knowledge in practice, the 
treatment of disease would be unnecessary, and drug- 
gists and physicians would need to seek other oc- 
cupations. There are those in the world who are 
endeavoring to obtain just such knowledge, and hav- 
ing obtained it, health and its inseparable companion, 
happiness, are assured them. It is among these that 
the author expects his reward, and not among those 
who shall examine this as a literary production, or 
who will argue as to the validity of the principles set 
forth and language employed, or the practicability of 
the methods. 



CHAPTER II. 

CAUSES OF DISEASE. 

DISEASE never comes without a cause, any more 
than any other phenomenon in nature. In treat- 
ing of the cause of disease, we shall endeavor to make 
our points brief and clear, confining them to the princi- 
pal sources from which diseased conditions originate. 
As we have previously stated, the stomach is originally 
the starting-place of the various disorders that afflict 
the human family, and we must note that everything 
which we put into the stomach has to be taken care 
of in some manner by the system, and even the 
healthy stomach is limited in its capacity for diges- 
tion to a certain quantity of food. Anything exceed- 
ing this quantity becomes foreign to the system. The 
next point is, What becomes of this which we term 
foreign matter ? The system attempts to expel it. 
Nature has provided several ways for this purpose: we 
breathe it through the lungs directly into the air, the 
stomach and bowels convey it to the outside, or it is 
taken into the blood and carried out of the system 
through the skin, kidneys, and lungs, as sweat, urine, 
and the breath. The system endeavors to accommo- 
date itself to all the conditions which we impose upon 
it, but we should not require too much. Ifweover- 
[30] 



CAUSES OF DISEASE. 3 1 

burden the system with extra work, it will finally be- 
come unable fully to perform its functions, and the 
result is that the foreign matter is left in the body. 
This morbid matter is not only useless for the building 
up of the body, or renewing its waste, but is positively 
harmful, as it clogs the circulation, and hence deprives 
the system of its proper nutrition received through the 
blood. These foreign substances are gradually depos- 
ited, usually in the neighborhood of the organs of se- 
cretion first, through the inability of these organs to 
properly care for this morbid matter. When the be- 
ginning is made, these accumulations increase rapidly 
unless a change in the mode of living be soon effected. 
Nature has established inexorable laws for the gov- 
ernment of our being. If we violate these laws, we 
must sooner or later pay the penalty. The laws of 
our being cannot be more successfully violated than 
by crowding upon the stomach unhealthy food, large 
quantities of food, or food too frequently. To eat to 
ex'cess of even simple food will eventually break down 
the digestive organs; but to eat too great an amount 
of food, and that unwholesome, is greatly to in- 
crease the evil. All should be capable of understand- 
ing the wants of their own systems. The philosophy 
of health should compose one of the most important 
studies for our children. If people would reason from 
cause to effect, and would follow intelligent counsel, 
the way to health would be assured, and disease would 
be far less. One of the most prolific causes of dis- 
ordered digestion is improper food. The opinion 
largely prevails that different foods are required for 



32 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

different persons, occupations, and locations. While 
this may be true to a certain extent, it is unquestion- 
ably true that human bodies are composed of the same 
substance throughout the world, and the difficult task 
is imposed upon the digestive apparatus of picking up 
these peculiar substances from the ingredients fur- 
nished. In the introductory chapter we made mention 
of the attempt to build a brick wall from improper 
materials; and the problem of how to get that which 
will nourish the system must often, indeed, be a 
puzzling one to our poor bodies. 

One of the articles of food most generally in use in_ 
America is flesh; and with the majority of people the 
idea prevails that this is indispensable, yet experience 
has amply demonstrated this to be untrue. Some of 
the greatest thinkers and the hardest workers and 
brightest minds have been vegetarians, and unques- 
tionably the vegetarian diet conduces to long life. 
The idea of meat being necessary to maintain strength 
is a popular error. The Scotch and their oatmeal 
have become proverbial; the native Irish are almost 
exclusively vegetarians, subsisting largely on potatoes; 
the ancient Greek athletes all fed on a vegetable diet; 
so with the Japanese athletes. It is related that 
a celebrated Japanese wrestler, on being questioned 
regarding his methods of living, stated he lived ex- 
clusively on a vegetable diet, rice being his principal 
food. Having a contest with a noted foreigner, he 
was induced while training to partake of flesh. The 
result was that he lost the contest and ever after 
adhered to his original mode of living. A vegetable 



CAUSES OF DISEASE. 33 

diet conduces to life, a meat diet predisposes to 
disease. The internal parasites frequently inhabiting 
the system are derived from the lower animals, and 
are introduced into the body by meat eating. Almost 
all meat is diseased, especially if fatty. Decay and ex- 
cretion are constantly taking place in animals. When 
the animal is slaughtered, this process is interrupted, 
and the decayed matter is left in the tissues. Very 
frequently the flesh of animals is in a decayed and un- 
wholesome condition before it undergoes the process 
of cooking. All of these noxious substances have to 
be eliminated from the system or remain in it as 
poisons. 

By a well-selected vegetarian diet these unwhole- 
some substances are avoided, while all of the nutrient 
ingredients of meat are found in a better condition in 
a vegetable diet. Hence in the treatment of disease, 
one of the first steps should be the exclusion of meat. 
Flesh food is stimulating, and the organism makes a 
violent attempt to rid itself of stimulating substances. 
All stimulants are injurious and produce depression, 
and the habit of flesh eating leads to the craving for 
other stimulants, and naturally tends to drunkenness. 
All stimulants have an effect to shorten life. There 
is no doubt but improper diet, improper methods of 
eating, and the quantity and quality of food are the 
principal causes of disordered digestion; and if these 
faults can. be corrected, a cure can most generally be 
effected. One of the most prevalent errors is hasty 
eating. This results in several evils; the food not 
being properly masticated is not sufficiently divided, 

3 



34 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

and this prevents the action of the digestive juices 
upon all its parts; and being in a coarse condition, it 
naturally irritates the lining of the stomach, and fre- 
quently produces gastric catarrh and dyspepsia. If 
food is not retained in the mouth a sufficient length of 
time, the proper amount of saliva is not mixed with 
it. The saliva fills an important place in the disges- 
tion of food, particularly the starchy portion, and also 
acts as a stimulus to the secretion of gastric juice. 

The habit of drinking at meal-time is injurious for 
several reasons: It tends to hurry eating, as it rinses 
down the food by artificial moisture; it weakens the 
digestive fluids by dilution, and greatly impairs their 
strength, and is the frequent cause of slow digestion 
and the difficulties which arise in consequence. The 
practice, which has come into use within a few years, 
of using iced tea at meals is a very pernicious one; in 
fact, iced tea, iced milk, iced water, and ice-cream 
should never be partaken of at meal-times, as the 
lowering of temperature retards digestion. The ab- 
sence of teeth or a diseased condition of the teeth, 
is frequently the cause of poor mastication. This 
should be corrected by a visit to a dentist. 

Another cause of digestive trouble is that of eating 
too frequently. Healthy digestion requires at least 
five or six hours, and there should be a period of rest 
before partaking of another meal. Six hours at least, 
should intervene between each meal; for if food is par- 
taken of more frequently than this, the digestive organs 
must inevitably suffer for want of rest; and other dis- 
turbances are liable to occur from the reception of new 



CAUSES OF DISEASE. 35 

material into the stomach before that which is in the 
stomach has been digested and passed out. The 
temperature of the stomach being about 100?, its 
contents, if retained too long, undergo fermentation, 
and develop acids and germs which render the system 
liable to permanent injury. Thus, eating between 
meals can only result in evil. The chapter on Foods 
will deal more particularly with what is proper in 
kind, quality, and quantity for the preservation of 
health. 

These principles above mentioned show the true 
causes of disease. To be sure, one might say that 
this does not cover infection, germs, colds, catarrh, 
and other manifestations. These are not properly 
causes, they are manifestations and conditions. The 
true cause of disease, as we have already stated, lies 
originally in disordered digestion and the presence of 
morbid matter in the system. A cold is not properly 
a disease. It is invariably caused by a check of per- 
spiration. A contraction of the pores and the sus- 
pension of secretion through them, affect the inner 
surfaces known as the mucous membranes, the usual 
manifestation of a cold being first in the head or 
throat. These manifestations will be taken up later 
on under their proper headings, but are not strictly 
causes of disease. 

It is usually taught and believed that disease is 
something foreign to the human system, and an enemy 
to the life principle. This is not the case. Disease 
is the life principle battling with an intruder— it is a 
process of purification. Sickness and disease are 



36 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

really very different in their conditions. Disease is 
an effort to remove foreign and offensive materials 
from the system, and to repair the damages it has 
sustained. It is an effort of remedy, and therefore not 
some matter to be cured, but that which should be 
directed and regulated. Every attempt to cure or 
subdue disease with drug poisons is unnatural, and 
every such "cure." but forces back upon nature that 
which must some day in the future appear in a chronic 
form. Drugs do not act upon the system. All the 
action is on the part of the living organism, and it 
casts out or expels by different methods these various 
poisons. This is the reason why in the treatment of 
diseases with drugs, the course pursued is always 
necessarily an experimental one, thus giving rise to 
the many new remedies constantly placed upon the 
market. Unless the original cause of any disease be 
removed, there is no successful way of obtaining a 
permanent cure; and by the removal of the original 
cause, in perhaps more than nine cases out of ten, 
nature itself will remove the difficulty without the aid 
of any kind of medicine. 

The medicines used in our treatment are not power- 
ful, and are used simply as an aid to nature. It is 
useless to prescribe medicine for the cure of disease 
while the cause that produced it is not abandoned. 
If it has been produced by improper methods of living, 
improper habits, as the use of tobacco, tea, or coffee, 
or any other stimulant, it would be nonsense to en- 
deavor to effect a cure without the abandonment of 
the cause. These habits in all cases must be given up, 



CAUSES OF DISEASE. 37 

or the sacrifice of life is an inevitable consequence. 
Drugs never cure disease; they only change the form 
and location. Nature alone is the effectual restorer, 
and usually would perform the cure if the hindering 
causes were removed. Cure lies only in that which 
the organism uses in its normal state, such as food, 
water, air, light, temperature, exercise, and rest. The 
best safeguard against disease is to be well and habit- 
ually observe the laws of health. Health resists all 
causes of disease, and is the most substantial safe- 
guard against diseases of a contagious character. 
Real healthy people do not have epidemics; those 
who are strong enough do not die of them; and those 
who have the conditions and treatment that all ought 
to have, recover in a large majority of cases. 



CHAPTER III. 

REMEDIES FOR DISEASE. 

A MONG the remedies for disease, perhaps pure 
air acts as important a part as any which we 
know. Though we usually eat three times a day, we 
breathe twenty-five thousand times every twenty-four 
hours. With every breath we draw we take into our 
lungs about one pint of air. The truth, then, is that 
breathing may be considered as one of the primary 
necessities of the body. The stomach may suspend 
its operations for days without serious detriment to 
the system, but the work of respiration cannot be in- 
terrupted for six minutes without fatal consequences. 
Pure air is the best and most thorough disinfectant in 
existence. The disease germs of smallpox, scarlet 
fever, diphtheria, cholera, etc., are all made harmless 
and neutralized by immersion in pure air. Many spells 
of sickness would be considerably shortened if the pa- 
tient could be supplied with pure air. 

Defective ventilation is undoubtedly responsible for 
many of the ailments to which we are subject ; but 
air that is not pure and beneficial, by exposure to the 
rays of the sun, is freed from contaminating elements. 
It needs to be shone through daily, actinized, vivified 
by the sun. Sunshine exercises a wonderful influence 

[38] 



REMEDIES FOR DISEASE. 39 

over every living organism, and is as beneficial for hu- 
man blood as it is for the tree or the plant. A sleep- 
ing apartment shut out from the sun and fresh air, is a 
chamber of pestilence. It is of the greatest impor- 
tance that our dwellings should be so situated and 
constructed as to admit of perfect ventilation in every 
part, that our bedrooms in particular should be large 
and airy, and that too many persons should not sleep 
in the same room. 

It is also of importance that every person should 
have frequent access to the pure open air, and should 
be capable of drinking in the pure air and of in- 
flating the lungs full and deeply. The effect of such 
respiration of pure air is truly wonderful. The tired 
housewife, worn by days of domestic duties, and on 
the verge of nervous depression, with head aching, by 
spending even a few minutes in the pure open air, 
feels new life and a new spirit entering into the blood 
and tissues throughout the whole body. Her eye be- 
comes bright and sparkling, her step more elastic, and 
she returns to her duties almost a new creature. If 
she is a nursing mother, her baby will be almost 
equally benefited by the consequent improvement of 
its natural food. But these advantages are not con- 
fined to a mother; every person, and every invalid 
that is able to move or be moved into the open air, 
should endeavor to be abroad in it as frequently as 
possible. 

Many have practiced what is known as " air bath- 
ing," submitting the whole body, usually morning and 
evening, freely to the air, exercising the skin with a 



40 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

flesh brush or towel, or rubbing with the hands, such 
exercise proving very beneficial. It should be remem- 
bered that man was made for the open air. It is his 
natural dwelling-place, and the custom of living in 
close rooms must necessarily be detrimental to the 
human system. Pure air can only be obtained from 
out of doors, and no sleeping apartment or sick-room 
should be closed to its admission. The air in a sick- 
room or in a bed-room should be in such a condition 
that one entering the room from the outer air would 
not notice any difference in odor. While there should 
be free circulation of air through the sick-room, drafts 
should be avoided by means of screens or otherwise, 
but on no account shut out nature's purifier and rem- 
edy, pure air. 

The lungs consist of an infinite number of small 
cells. Connected with these are small tubes branch- 
ing out from the bronchial tubes, and the bronchial 
tubes branch from the trachea, or windpipe. At every 
inspiration of air these cells become filled, and at every 
expiration of air they are nearly emptied. When air 
is received into the lungs, the blood sent from the 
right ventricle of the heart meets it. Here the carbon 
of the blood is thrown off in the form of carbonic-acid 
gas, while the oxygen of the air taken into the lungs 
is received into the circulation of the blood and car- 
ried to every part of the body. The amount of nour- 
ishment derived from food bears a close relation to the 
amount of oxygen received into the circulation. The 
oxygen is also essential to give heat to the body; 
therefore the amount of natural heat depends upon the 



REMEDIES FOR DISEASE. 41 

amount of oxygen received into the lungs, and the 
amount of carbon of our food, which by uniting with 
the oxygen of the air, at once generates animal heat. 

It can easily be seen from these facts how important 
to the welfare of the whole system is the breathing of 
good air. If the atmosphere which we breathe is con- 
taminated, the influence is carried by the blood to 
every part of the body. If we are shut up in a close 
room, especially at night, we use up all the vital prop- 
erties of the air in the room, consume all the oxygen, 
and give off carbonic-acid gas, so that it is very offen- 
sive to one entering the room and very unhealthful to 
the individual occupying it. We cannot be too care- 
ful to have a free circulation of air in our sleeping 
apartments. The function of the lungs may be con- 
sidered as twofold: as cleansing organs they eliminate 
the impurities of the blood, and as organs of nutrition 
they digest the air, and convert a portion of it into the 
substance of the blood. 

Sleep acts a very important part in the recovery of 
the sick; in fact, there are some advocates of rest and 
sleep as being the cure for all diseases. Dr. Young 
styled it " tired nature's sweet restorer," and was cor- 
rect in so doing. It is a panacea for all ailments, and 
there is no economy of time or life, and certainly not 
of health, in abbreviating the period of repose. Pa- 
tients should never be awakened from sound, natural 
sleep to give them food or medicine; the sleep is more 
precious than either. Much of the benefits of early 
rising, so heartily enjoined, are humbug. During the 
period of sleep the body repairs the wasted tissues, 



42 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

the mind is soothed, anxiety relieved, and tranquillity 
restored. In sleep the sick become convalescent; and 
persons of unsound mind are in a fair way to recovery 
when they can sleep naturally. 

Among agents for the treatment of disease, water 
probably fills the most important position. As a solv- 
ent and purifier or tonic it is beyond all praise. It is 
richer in oxygen than atmospheric air. It allays in- 
flammation, stimulates the blood-vessels of the mucous 
membrane, and by expelling the blood from them, re- 
lieves internal congestion. It creates appetite, and 
helps to eliminate the cause of disease by exciting ir- 
ritation of the skin, and putting in action the kidneys, 
which are the recognized scavengers of the system. It 
is the best drink in illness, cooling the heat of fever, 
and helping nature to throw off in perspiration the 
morbid influences which oppress her. It is ever calm- 
ing to the nervous system and a great aid to digestion. 
It should be drunk the first thing in the morning and 
the last at night, and should be imperatively the only 
drink at meal-times, if drinks are used. The coating 
of the stomach is capable of drinking in considerable 
quantities of water by absorption, and the colon also 
will take up considerable water introduced by enema. 

Water, to be of the highest benefit and use, either 
by the healthy or sick, should be pure and soft. By 
purity is meant freedom from mineral substances or 
earthy salts or the infusion of vegetable matter, either 
or all of which render it more or less unfit for external 
or internal application. The idea that water im- 
pregnated with earthy and medicinal substances is 



REMEDIES FOR DISEASE. 43 

more valuable than water which is entirely free from 
them, is a great mistake. Water, therefore, which is 
to be used for bathing or drinking should be as free 
from all substances which are not a part of its essential 
composition, as possible. Soft water is wonderfully- 
susceptible to the influence of its surroundings, and is 
capable of taking up and holding in solution large 
quantities of foreign matter; hence in the treatment of 
disease, the water used for its elimination should be as 
soft as it is possible to obtain. 

It is not only for its effects upon the skin and in- 
directly upon the organs lying immediately subjacent 
to the skin, that the water should be pure and soft, 
but for its effects upon the internal structure of the 
body when taken as a drink, rendering it more im- 
peratively necessary that pure and soft water should 
be used. Eighty per cent, of the human body is made 
up of water. Not only is hard water productive in 
many instances of diseased kidneys, irritation of the 
bladder, mucous dyspepsia, and scrofulous ailments, 
but its effects on the skin are to leave it rough, caus- 
ing it to put on a dry, scaly appearance, and making 
it crack; but its effects upon the mucous membrane 
are often worse, creating an irritation of that texture, 
and tending to introduce dyspeptic conditions, sore 
throat, nasal catarrh, inactivity of the liver, costive- 
ness, and headache. Many persons affected with con- 
stipation of the bowels, are immediately relieved by 
the use of pure soft water as a drink. But this is only 
half its value. Its power as a solvent as well as a 
tonic, its gentle and invigorating effect on mucous 



44 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

surfaces, thus indirectly securing the healthy aid of all 
the senses whose action depends on the health of the 
mucous tissues, are evidences of its value as a hygienic 
agent. 

The skin is also an organ of respiration. As the 
arterial blood flows out through the arteries into the 
capillary vessels, which empty the arteries and veins, 
it then gives off a part of its elements to the atmos- 
phere. It gives off a portion of carbon in carbonic- 
acid gas, and receives a portion of oxygen from the 
surrounding air. The healthful condition and action 
of the skin is greatly essential to health. Bad air will 
have its influence. If the action of the skin be re- 
tarded by having its pores and capillaries obstructed, 
there will at once be disturbance throughout the whole 
system. There is great sympathy between the skin 
and the internal organs. When the functions of the 
skin are deranged, there is disturbance in the action 
of the kidneys, which secrete from the blood, elements 
which are not further needed. It also influences the 
liver, whose office is the secretion and carrying off of 
matter collected from the blood circulating in the 
veins. The lungs, too, have a close sympathy with 
the action of the skin. The whole system feels when 
the skin suffers, hence the importance of keeping 
the pores unclogged, by suitable bathing, and open, 
but not stimulated beyond their normal action. 



CHAPTER IV. 

FOOD AND DIET. 

THERE is no doubt but that this subject is one of 
the most important which concern the human fam- 
ily, as it is evident that every person is made of what 
is received into the body. There are many foods and 
definitions of food, but true food is that which, when 
introduced into the system, supplies in every par- 
ticular the losses made by the natural wastes of the 
body. It is not our purpose to enter into a technical 
analysis of the different constituents of food. Prac- 
tically they are composed of three elements, — albumen, 
or nitrogen, starch, or sugar, and fats. The white of 
an egg is a sample of nearly pure albumen. In wheat 
this is represented by gluten, and is present in oat- 
meal, peas, beans, etc., in nearly the same form. Most 
animal tissues contain albumen. It is also found in 
milk under the name of caseine. These are all practi- 
cally the same. All grains, vegetables, and fruits con- 
tain starch, this sometimes forming two thirds or three 
fourths of the whole weight of the article of food. Of 
the animal fats, butter, lard, and suet are the most 
important. Most of the grains, some vegetables and 
fruits, more especially nuts, contain fats, but the 

[45] 



46 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

elements are essentially the same as those of the 
animal fats. 

There are, in addition to these elements, certain 
phosphates and carbonates of potash, lime, soda, etc., 
which are used in the system, but to a minor extent 
to the first three named. There are also certain 
woody, innutritious substances which, while not sup- 
plying nourishment, are useful in giving the required 
bulk of food, and in producing a certain mechanical 
irritation which is necessary for the proper secretion 
and muscular action of the digestive organs. Foods 
vary greatly in their nutritive value, rice and wheat 
each having 87 per cent, graham flour 85, wheat flour 
88, rye and barley flour 85, oats 91, corn 84 and buck- 
wheat 86 per cent; while of bread, that which is made 
from whole-wheat flour is 82 per cent, and that made 
from fine white flour but 55 per cent. This latter, 
while it is the bread most in general use, cannot sup- 
port life. Experiments in feeding dogs have shown 
that while confining them to a diet of fine-flour bread, 
they lived but fifty days, but if fed on whole-wheat 
bread, they might live indefinitely. 

It is essential that our food should be composed of 
a proper proportion of these various elements. Many 
experiments have shown that the proper proportion is 
about seven of the carbonaceous elements to one of 
the albuminous, or nitrogenous. Whole-wheat flour 
or bread made from this flour, contains these exact 
proportions. This shows that it is a perfect food, and 
meets all the requirements of the system perfectly; 
yet we desire variety, and therefore would not choose 



FOOD AND DIET. 47 

to use this one article of diet exclusively. Beef and 
eggs have the albuminous element to excess, while 
potatoes, rice, and most vegetables are deficient in 
this respect. Oatmeal has a light excess of the albu- 
minous element, but is nearly a perfect food. 

By mixing food substances which are deficient in 
one class of elements with those which have a larger 
proportion of the other elements, the two classes can 
be combined in just the right proportion for the system; 
and while flesh contains a large amount of the nitrog- 
enous element, it is not necessary that this should be 
combined with vegetable food in order to secure the 
proper proportions, as there are many vegetable foods, 
such as peas and beans, which can supply this pro- 
portion, or eggs and milk can be used. It is under- 
stood, of course, that bread (not that made from fine 
flour) is always a perfect food. It will be noticed 
that the dietary advised practically excludes meat. 
This is done purely for hygienic reasons. The scope 
of this work is to make sick people well, and well 
people better, consequently we must advise only the 
use of such foods as are known to have health-giving 
qualities. Baron Cuvier, one of the most learned men 
that ever lived, stated that "the natural food of man, 
judging from his structure, appears to consist of fruits, 
grains, and esculent parts of vegetables." 

It is a fact that domestic animals which are used for 
food are rarely found in a perfectly healthy condition. 
This is especially the case with the hog. It is esti- 
mated that not more than one out of twelve hogs is 
free from trichina. Trichina poisoning is an incurable 



48 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

malady; and if for no other reason than the presence 
of these worms in its flesh, pork should be avoided. 
We need not enter into a description of the habits of 
the hog, for these are well known; and it seems strange 
that human beings will use this scavenger for food 
when there is such a plenty of healthful articles that 
are far superior in nutrient qualities. Meat contains 
the dead matter which was in process of elimination 
when death overtook the animal. This cannot be 
used by the human system, but must be expelled; and 
it is largely the presence of this morbid matter that 
gives to meat its stimulating effects. It is a well- 
established fact that the pulse of a person who eats 
flesh is more rapid than that of the vegetarian. An 
excessive meal of flesh has been known to produce all 
the effects of intoxication. 

It is a common practice with many persons and 
some physicians to recommend beef-tea for those who 
are supposed to need concentrated nutriment. Be- 
cause a pound of extract of beef is made from thirty 
pounds of beef, it is supposed to contain all the nutri- 
ment of the thirty pounds of meat ; but instead of this, 
it contains scarcely a particle of the nutritive elements 
but nearly all the stimulant elements of the flesh. 
Liquors, fermented wine, cider, or beer, should never 
be used even as medicines. There is danger of cre- 
ating an appetite for their use; and besides this they 
are stimulants. They impart no nourishment to the 
system, and the idea that they promote digestion is an 
error. They give to the stomach an unnatural and 
forced action which, while in health, it does not need ; 



FOOD AND DIET. 49 

and the longer it is continued, the weaker the organs 
become. There is no such thing as temperance in the 
use of ardent spirits ; for he who drinks a little is a lit- 
tle drunk, and he who drinks largely is more drunk. 
To be temperate in the use of bad things or things out 
of place is to let them entirely alone. Temperance in 
eating or drinking that which is good is moderation; 
temperance in regard to stimulants and narcotics is 
total abstinence. 

Coffee is objectionable for the same reason. It is a 
stimulant bearing some resemblance to opium in its 
narcotic qualities, and should never be used as a bev- 
erage. Children especially should never be allowed its 
use, as it undermines their constitutions and creates 
a taste for other stimulants. Tea is also objectionable 
for the same reasons. It is an active stimulant. Its 
effects are very similar to alcoholic drinks, and it also 
has its corresponding reaction. 

As a general thing, we drink too much at our meals. 
Before the food is sufficiently masticated, we wash it 
down with some table drink. This not only dilutes 
the saliva but weakens the action of the gastric juice 
after the food gets into the stomach. Some persons 
take a swallow of liquid with almost every mouthful 
of food, especially if the time for eating is limited. 
It is far better to eat a less quantity and have it thor- 
oughly masticated and insalivated, than to put a lar- 
ger quantity of food into the stomach in an improper 
condition; for the effect of the latter is sooner or later 
to produce dyspepsia, constipation, and many other 
diseases. The use of liquid at meals should be very 

4 



50 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

limited, if any, water being the most preferable. 
There are many substitutes for tea and coffee on the 
market, which, if carefully selected, can be used with- 
out unfavorable results. Hot water or hot milk fill 
the place of tea or coffee if one does not choose to use 
these articles. It is far better to exclude drink en- 
tirely at meal-times, especially if there is any disease 
of the stomach. 

It is hardly necessary to speak of the use of tobacco, 
as it is supposed that one who desires to regain health 
or retain it, would recognize the fact, which has so 
many times been placed before the public, that only 
harm comes from the use of this vile narcotic. 



CHAPTER V. 

DIGESTION. 

THE process of digestion in its relation to health, 
occupies so important a place that a chapter 
devoted to some of its physiological features is neces- 
sary for us to obtain an understanding of the various 
changes that food undergoes in becoming a part of the 
living organism. The processes essential to life and 
its varied manifestations, are those of nutrition and 
secretion. These processes are very complex. Not 
only are digestion and assimilation necessary, but 
likewise the circulation of the blood, respiration, secre- 
tion, and excretion. Without these functions being 
performed in a normal manner, perfect health is im- 
possible; and we find that the proper digestion and 
assimilation of food is dependent upon the circulation 
and the respiration, the air having a very important 
part to perform in the work of complete digestion. 

By a proper understanding of digestion in all of its 
stages, the one who has the care of the sick will be en- 
abled to determine with more exactness the causes 
that lead to the various complications manifested in 
disease, and will be competent to assist the system to 
return to its healthy condition in the order in which it 

[51] 



$2 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

became deranged, as the road from sickness to health 
is always a backward track. 

All foods are made up of the elements, carbon, 
hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, combined with cer- 
tain minerals. As they are designed to replace the 
wornout elements of the body, they must necessarily 
contain the same constituents that these elements 
possessed in the beginning. The quantity of food is 
regulated to a great extent by the amount and purity 
of the air that we breathe. In looking up the best 
food required for supplying the wastes of the body, we 
must have regard to the chemical elements which are 
combined to form blood, tissues, and bones. We must 
also have regard for the air which we breathe and the 
manner of eliminating the waste products; thus, in the 
human body albuminous, or nitrogenous, fatty, and 
mineral elements are required. Every kind of food 
that is proper for building up the human body must 
contain these three principal elements. Food com- 
posed wholly or exclusively of albumen will not sus- 
tain life. Also, if the elements that make fat or oil 
are excluded, the glandular organs are insufficiently 
nourished. These elements also nourish the brain and 
bones and the soft fiber, but the bones assimilate the 
mineral portions largely. 

More food is required when the oxygen in the at- 
mosphere is abundant. This is noticeable particularly 
in cold weather. In warm weather or in warm rooms 
where the air is vitiated, less food is required. 

Exercise also increases a necessity for food, as this 



DIGESTION. 53 

causes a waste of tissue, and from the increased breath- 
ing a large amount of oxygen is added to the blood. 
Active persons, therefore, require more food than 
those who lead a sedentary life. 

The process of digestion is of an exceedingly inter- 
esting character. While chemistry may not be able 
to explain why certain changes take place, digestion 
is so exact under normal conditions that certain foods 
will almost invariably produce certain results. By 
giving a physiological description of digestion and the 
various functions of the digestive organs, we trust that 
our readers may obtain a better understanding of that 
wonderful piece of mechanism— the house we live in. 

The process of digestion begins with the mouth; and 
every part of the alimentary canal, even including the 
mouth, is capable of absorbing and assimilating por- 
tions of the food as it is brought in contact with them. 
By the action of the teeth, jaws, and tongue, the food 
is broken up, or masticated. At the same time it is 
brought in contact with the saliva, and should be 
thoroughly moistened by this fluid in order to fit it for 
further digestion. Starch, which forms a large part of 
our food, is acted upon by the saliva, which transforms 
it into sugar. The salivary glands which secrete this 
fluid are largely controlled in their action by the 
nerves. Emotion will frequently arrest the flow of 
saliva altogether, and various articles of food fre- 
quently increase the quantity. This can easily be 
tested by cutting a lemon, as merely the sight of the 
lemon or its juice will almost invariably start the flow 



54 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

of saliva. This is due to the action of the optic nerve. 
Other nerves communicating with the mouth also con- 
trol the salivary secretion. 

The more thorough the mastication of the food, the 
better it is prepared for the action of the stomach. 
The saliva also seems to have the effect of stimulating 
the secretion of the gastric juice. Rapid eating is a 
common cause of indigestion, as the food is not suf- 
ficiently broken up, and there is an insufficient amount 
of saliva mixed with it for proper digestion. After 
mastication the food is passed through the esophagus 
to the stomach. The upper opening of the stomach 
admits the food and then closes tightly. Immediately 
on the entrance of the food to the stomach, there be- 
gins an action of that organ that brings the food into 
contact with every portion of its interior surface. The 
stomach is lined with a peculiar membrane, which 
contains multitudes of minute glands which secrete 
the fluid known as the gastric juice. This is secreted 
in greater or less quantities according to the amount 
of saliva mingled with the food. An insufficient quan- 
tity of saliva will also restrict the flow of gastric juice. 
In health about fourteen pounds of gastric juice are 
daily secreted and used, and about three and a half of 
saliva. The peculiar movement of the stomach is 
called the " vermicular motion," and is continued un- 
til the entire contents is reduced to a semi-liquid 
mass denominated "chyme." If the food is not 
thoroughly masticated in the mouth, that portion of 
the work falls upon the stomach; thus we can see the 
importance of thorough mastication. During the pro- 



DIGESTION. 55 

cess of digestion in the stomach, its contents are re- 
tained with great tenacity, only the finest portion of 
the chyme being allowed to pass through. 

The stomach is a very complex organ, being full of 
little folds and convolutions, and these act in a meas- 
ure distinctly by themselves. Every operation, there- 
fore, of the entire stomach is the result of the combined 
action of all these minute stomachs. Quite a large 
portion of the food elements taken into the stomach 
is absorbed while in this organ. The fluid matters 
and more refined constituents of the food are carried 
at once to the veins leading to the liver. 

The process of digestion is further carried on in the 
intestines. The small intestine extends from the 
stomach some fifteen to eighteen feet, and is lined 
with mucous membrane abounding with vessels which 
are full during the digestive process. The intestines 
are full of folds so numerous as to render its inner 
surface about twice as long as the tube itself. The 
surface of this mucous membrane is filled with ves- 
sels, nerves, and lymphatic glands. This large ex- 
tent of surface renders digestion and absorption much 
more thorough. 

When the chyme leaves the stomach, it becomes 
mixed with bile, which is a secretion of the liver, and 
pancreatic juice, which is the secretion of a gland 
known as, the pancreas, situated behind the stomach. 
The peculiar offices of these fluids have been a matter 
of much discussion among scientists. It is known cer- 
tainly that the bile arrests the tendency to putrefac- 
tion, and that it also facilitates the digestion of fats. 



56 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

The secretion of the bile illustrates one of the great 
economies of nature, being drawn from the blood by 
the liver, and almost entirely composed of refuse 
material. 

The pancreatic juice, like the bile, saliva, and gas- 
tric juice, is principally secreted when the food first 
enters the stomach. During the intervals of par- 
taking of food its secretion is suspended. The essen- 
tial use of the pancreatic juice is to help the digestion 
of fats. Starch and hydro-carbons are also acted upon 
by this juice. 

Another secretion which comes from the glands in 
the mucous membrane of the intestines is known as 
"intestinal juice." The office of this secretion seem- 
ingly is to finish up the work which has been left un- 
done by the other digestive fluids, as it acts upon al- 
bumen, meat, and starch. The offices of each of these 
secretions are seemingly dependent upon one another; 
thus, the saliva stimulates the secretion of the gastric 
juice, and this in turn the flow of the bile and the 
pancreatic and intestinal juices. These are so de- 
pendent on one another that a permanent disturbance 
of one secretion is an imminent source of disease. 

While the food is in the small intestine, that organ 
is in constant motion, forcing its contents forward and 
backward, reducing the chyme by the action of the 
pancreatic and intestinal fluids to a molecular con- 
dition. It is then absorbed by the chyle vessels in 
the walls of the intestines. The portion remaining in 
the intestine which cannot be assimilated, consisting 
usually of the innutritious parts, is conveyed to the 



DIGESTION. 57 

extremity of the small intestine where the large in- 
testine, known as the colon, begins. This is from four 
to six feet long, with many convolutions and pockets, 
which enlarge its area to a great extent. The colon, 
commencing at the lower portion of the abdomen on 
the right side, rises up, passes over to the left side, 
and thence down to the rectum. 

The rejected contents of the small intestine are 
passed into the colon, and sometimes remain here for 
a considerable time, but are usually carried forward 
by muscular contraction, accumulating until the proper 
time for their discharge. The fecal substance con- 
sists of the waste matters of the food and blood; and 
when retained longer than is proper, the fluid portions 
are taken up by the coating of the colon and are car- 
ried into the blood. This produces many disorders, 
some of which are very dangerous and even fatal. 
The remaining portions becoming hardened, are some- 
times incapable of removal. 

We have noticed that the contents of the small in- 
testine is reduced to a molecular condition. The next 
operation is its removal to the circulation itself. The 
mucous membrance of the small intestine is in folds, 
making almost double the extent of the intestine, 
affording a large absorbing surface. This surface is 
covered with an immense number of minute, hair-like 
points. Over these is a layer of minute cells. The 
fluid contents of the intestine is absorbed through 
the walls of these cells. Each cell by a peculiar pro- 
cess transforms this fluid into a milky substance 
termed " chyle." This consists in a large degree of 



58 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

the fatty emulsion created by the action of the pan- 
creatic juice. There are none of these absorbing cells 
only beyond the place where the pancreatic juice 
enters the intestine. Therefore, if this juice is de- 
ficient, there is no emulsion and consequently no 
chyle. This has a very important effect upon the 
blood corpuscles. 

The small, projecting, hair-like points of the mucous 
lining of the intestine are termed " villi." These com- 
municate with the chyle-ducts which pass into the 
lymphatic glands surrounding the intestine. The 
lymphatic glands secrete or form the corpuscles of 
the blood. The chyle vessels carry the chyle to the 
glands, where this fluid deriving substances from the 
neighboring blood, combines with it, and is finally 
passed to the lungs and taken into the general cir- 
culation. 

By noting this intricate process, and the complex 
mechanism employed, we may, perhaps, have a greater 
regard for these organs and give them better treat- 
ment. It is wonderful the amount of ill treatment 
they will undergo before breaking down and giving up 
the battle, and how quickly they will respond to kind 
treatment and hygienic methods for recovery. 



> 



CHAPTER VI. 

WATER IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. 

WATER constitutes about four fifths of the hu- 
man body, and is one of the most abundant 
elements in nature. Absolutely pure water is very 
difficult to obtain, and is not found in nature; distilled 
water and pure rain-water being the purest forms ob- 
tainable. It is evident that for the uses of the human 
body the purest water obtainable should always be 
used. One of the properties of water is its power to 
dissolve or take up other substances; and it is this 
property which renders it valuable in the treatment of 
disease, its solvent properties enabling it to take up 
the foreign matters in the body and carry them out 
through the exits that nature has provided. One of 
the offices of the skin is that of carrying off worn out 
matters of the system, and for this purpose it is cov- 
ered with minute openings estimated at over two mil- 
lion in number in each individual. The inner surface 
of the body is covered with what is known as mucous 
membrane, which very closely resembles the skin in 
structure. The skin and mucous membrane both ex- 
crete and absorb. They eliminate refuse matter, and 
absorb air and fluids. 

Water sustains a very important relation to the liv- 
ing system. It constitutes a large proportion of our 

[59] 



60 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

food even in what is termed solid food. Water under- 
goes no change in the body, but is essential to every 
function, as none of the vital organs are able to per- 
form their functions without it. This is especially true 
of the blood. By its aid the nutriment is conveyed to 
every portion of the body. As the system is con- 
stantly giving out water, by the air breathed through 
the lungs, by evaporation by the skin, and the opera- 
tion of the kidneys and bowels, it is evident that this 
loss must be supplied in order to preserve the proper 
conditions for nature to perform its work. The de- 
mand of the system is manifested by thirst. Custom 
and habit exert strong influences in the matter of 
thirst; some people drink very little and others a great 
deal. If a moist diet is used, consisting largely of 
vegetables, less drink is required. Where the food is 
dry and concentrated, larger quantities of water are 
needed. It is undoubtedly true that the majority of 
people do not drink sufficient water. The evil of too 
much water drinking is rarely encountered. 

With the external use in washing and bathing, the 
neglect is often more apparent. The majority of peo- 
ple do but little bathing. To keep the body in health, 
it should be bathed at least once or twice a week. 
This is necessary to rid the skin of its accumulations 
and prevent the clogging of the perspiratory ducts. 
If a daily tepid bath were indulged in, the skin would 
never become clogged and enfeebled, and its natural 
color would be maintained. In no way can the health 
of the skin be maintained but by the frequent use of 
water. Many persons hold to the idea that bathing 



WATER IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. 6 1 

produces a liability to take cold, but this is an error. 
One who makes a practice of daily bathing is almost 
impervious to colds. While it is true that colds are 
sometimes taken after bathing, this is the result of 
some neglect of the proper precautions to prevent it. 

The system may be affected by water, by its modi- 
fication of the temperature, by its dilution of the fluids 
of the body, and by its solvent properties. Water 
possesses the power of abstracting heat ; and if hot 
water is applied to the body, it causes its heat to be 
added to the body. If applied cold, it will absorb 
heat. It is by means of the variation in the tempera- 
ture of water and the susceptibility of the system to 
its action, that disease is so easily controlled. The 
various baths and treatments set forth in this work, 
if closely adhered to, will arrest and remove disease in 
a very brief period. Long continued " spells " of sick- 
ness can become a thing of the past. 

If mankind conformed strictly to the laws of hygiene 
in eating, drinking, clothing, exercise, and tempera- 
ture, the physiological necessity for bathing would be 
greatly reduced ; but under the present conditions of 
society, the laws of life and health are transgressed in 
a thousand ways. This is manifested in the body by 
internal congestion, deficient external circulation, and 
obstruction of the excretory glands of the skin. We 
suppose these conditions will exist to a greater or less 
extent until the people become better acquainted with 
the laws of health. But to counteract this morbid 
condition, there is no better agent than water, no pro- 
cess more effectual than bathing. 



62 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

As a general rule, a daily bath should be as regular 
as are the daily meals. For hygienic purposes there 
are various methods of bathing, but these are a mat- 
ter of convenience. The tub bath, plunge bath, 
shower bath, and the sponge bath are all equally use- 
ful. The one most readily accessible to all persons is 
the towel, or sponge bath. This can be had at all 
times where a towel and a quart of water are obtain- 
able, and requires but a few minutes for its application. 
One point which should be borne in mind is, that in 
whatever manner the bath is applied, the whole body 
afterward should be thoroughly rubbed dry with a 
coarse towel. There are many varieties of baths, and 
special baths are applied for specific purposes. Under 
the heading of Baths, while not endeavoring by any 
means to cover all the various kinds that are known, 
specific directions will be given for those that are 
readily available in the home of any family, and such 
as are needful and can be used in the treatment of 
any disease. 

Too much stress and importance cannot be laid 
upon the use of water in the treatment of disease. 
Many chapters might be written upon its various uses, 
but as it is the aim of the publishers to make this 
work concise and brief in every particular, only those 
points will be noted which are of particular conse- 
quence. Therefore we trust the reader will not admit 
that any of the rules laid down or the methods advo- 
cated are of slight consequence. We can assure them 
that invariably the way to health may be found by 
careful adherence to the rules and treatment given in 
this work. 



CHAPTER VII. 

CARE OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN. 

WE have previously stated that it is the privilege 
of all to be born well, but the realization of 
that privilege is due very largely to the parents. 
Children at the present time are suffering more or less 
the penalty of the violation of the laws of health by 
their parents, and the course pursued with children 
from their infancy is usually in opposition to the laws 
of health. The inheritance of disease and the disa- 
bilities attending children from birth are made worse 
by the parents' following a wrong course in the phys- 
ical training of their children. 

There is astonishing ignorance, indifference, and 
recklessness in regard to the physical health of chil- 
dren, which often results in destroying the vitality 
which the infant had, and consigning it to an early 
grave. Many mourn over the mysterious dispensa- 
tions of Providence, when the real cause is that the 
parents have not acted in accordance with the laws 
of health. 

A great responsibility rests with the parents, both 
before the birth of their children and afterward, to give 
them that soundness of constitution which is the real 
preparation for their future well-being. The wise 

[63] 



64 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

farmer takes time and devotes especial thought as to 
the best manner of managing his stock. He is partic- 
ular that they shall not be overworked, overfed, or 
fed when they are heated, lest they be injured. He is 
careful that they are not hurt by neglect, exposure, or 
any improper treatment, and is very particular regard- 
ing his young stock, that they have the proper care 
and training. But many children are left by their 
parents to come up with less attention than a good 
farmer devotes to his dumb animals. If parents could 
realize the important bearing that proper food and 
training have upon their children, corresponding to 
the care manifested by farmers for their cattle, in that 
degree that the lives of the children are more valuable 
than that of dumb animals, there would be a decrease 
in misery and ill health, and a corresponding increase 
in the future prosperity of the race. 

Too much stress cannot be laid upon prenatal in- 
fluences. Much can be said upon this subject, but our 
space is too limited for a lengthy discussion. We will 
merely point out a few existing evils which should be 
avoided. One principal cause of weak infants is over- 
work on the part of the mother before the birth of her 
child. This is a period which should be to her of all 
others a time of rest, but her cares and burdens are 
seldom lessened, and oftentimes are increased. The 
result is, she deprives her offspring of that nutrition 
which nature has provided for it. By unhealthful liv- 
ing her blood is vitiated, and this is aggravated by 
overheating. This has a very bad effect upon the 
infant, robbing it both of physical and mental strength. 



CARE OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN. 65 

Women should act with reason regarding these mat- 
ters; they should not exhaust their energies unneces- 
sarily, but should exercise temperance in eating, in 
drinking, and in work. Mothers should understand 
that their constitutional strength, their mental facul- 
ties, and the physical state of their own being will be 
in great measure represented in their offspring. They 
should encourage constantly a happy, cheerful, con- 
tented disposition. The father can in a large degree 
contribute to this by making every surrounding pleas- 
ant, and the parents will be repaid by a better physical 
and moral development in the child. 

The period of nursing the infant is also very im- 
portant. Mothers should not overwork, and should 
not heat their blood, as by so doing the blood becomes 
fevered, and the nourishment received by the infant is 
also fevered. The diet, also, of the mother has a very 
important effect upon the babe. She should, by very 
strict attention to the laws regulating diet, partake 
only of such food as will build up the infant in a 
healthy condition, special attention being given to 
those articles of food which produce strong, healthy 
bones and lay the foundation for sound, healthy teeth. 
If parents, during the early years of their children, 
would feed them largely upon grains and whole-wheat 
products, banishing from the table that bane of health, 
white bread, our children would not need to seek the 
dentists for the filling of teeth before those teeth are 
hardly formed. 

The proper manner of feeding infants is generally 
very little understood. If the child is fretful, it is fed 

5 



66 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

to keep it quiet, when very frequently its fretfulness is 
caused by its having already received too much food; 
and when the stomach is overloaded, additional food 
only makes the matter worse. 

A systematic diet should be adopted at the very 
birth of the infant. It is rare that an infant should be 
fed at all until the mother is able to supply it with its 
natural food, but usually fears are entertained that the 
babe will starve before the flow of milk takes place. 
Accordingly, some unnatural fluid is poured into its 
stomach, prepared with sugar, which the babe cannot 
digest properly, and so it enters upon its life of suffer- 
ing. After the first few days, babies should be nursed 
but three times a day. This may seem a radical de- 
parture from the usual methods, but it is altogether 
proper. The digestive capacity of the infant is not 
any stronger than that of a grown person, and its food 
requires about the same length of time for digestion 
and assimilation, as the various steps are the same in 
all persons. 

It is not the amount of food taken into the system 
that sustains it, but the amount properly digested and 
assimilated. If five hours are required to complete 
the process of digestion in the grown person, it will 
need the same length of time for the child, and this 
process should not be disturbed until it is finished. 
The child should have its regular hours for breakfast, 
dinner, and supper, and these should not be interfered 
with. If this course were followed, infants would not 
be subject to vomiting, colic, or fits; for the cause of 
these troubles is overloading of the stomach. The 



CARE OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN. 6j 

idea that a child will suffer hunger if it does not take 
food oftener than once in five hours during the day is 
all nonsense. The *' little and often" system is con- 
trary to the laws of health and contrary to reason, and 
should not be practiced. With infants, habits of sleep 
are very easily formed; and if care is taken in the 
beginning, there is no reason why infants should not 
sleep well through the night. The principal cause 
of their wakefulness is improper food eaten by the 
mother, and too frequent feeding of the infant. 

When children are old enough to take solid food, 
they should have but three meals a day. No child 
can take food oftener than once in five hours without 
interfering with the previous meal. If children were 
brought up in this manner, they would be found to be 
more than ordinarily strong and healthy, and would 
escape a host of ailments which are common to the 
young. If children were confined to regular habits in 
their eating, their appetites would be regular. An 
irregular appetite is not natural, but is unhealthful. 
If the habit of eating but three times a day is once 
established, children will want food only so many 
times. This rule may seem rigid, but we profess to 
love and cherish our children. In no way can we give 
better evidence of our affection than by giving to them 
the greatest heritage possible to possess, namely, 
health. The foundation for it should be laid at the 
birth of the infant, and should be carried out during 
the years of childhood. Cakes and candies should be 
rigidly excluded from the diet of children, especially 
between meals. The use of cakes and candy causes 



68 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

the liver to become inactive and the blood impure, 
and makes the children sickly, and difficult to control. 

There are many erroneous ideas prevailing regard- 
ing the dress of infants as well as that of older people. 
Many have the idea that because the new-born infant 
is weak, it should be tightly bandaged in order to 
support it and give it strength. Looseness is very 
important in an infant's dress; no tight bandages or 
bands should be allowed. These are purely an inven- 
tion of modern civilization, and are the cause of much 
discomfort and ill health. When a babe that has been 
tightly bandaged during the day becomes wearied 
and fretful at evening, what relief is experienced when 
the tight bandage is removed, and it has the oppor- 
tunity of throwing its arms and limbs about, which 
have been restrained by this " civilized " mode of 
dress! All confinement distresses the child, and when 
it amounts to tightness, will occasion deformity before 
the evil is suspected. 

Infants' clothes should not be buttoned, but tied with 
strings or tapes; and after tying, should be examined 
to see that the strings are not drawn too tight. 
Young babes should have an abundance of pure and 
invigorating air. While it is necessary to protect 
them from draughts, yet the fresh air should be ad- 
mitted at all times. The vitiated air so frequently 
found in bedrooms and nursing rooms greatly en- 
feebles the action of the heart and lungs, and affects 
the whole system. This is more dangerous to the 
feeble infant than to a grown person. The practice 
of covering the heads of infants is radically wrong. 



CARE OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN. 69 

It excludes the pure air, necessitating the breathing 
over again of air which has already passed through 
the lungs, and which is vitiated with the odors from 
the body. This is a frequent cause of colds in little 
children. Owing to the necessity of labored breath- 
ing because of the lack of pure air, perspiration is in- 
duced; and when the child is taken from beneath the 
covering, it is almost sure to take cold. Infants' arms 
and legs should be covered, as such exposure renders 
them liable to colds and congestions. Underclothing 
should be frequently changed, and on retiring at night 
every portion of the clothing worn during the day 
should be removed, putting on the nightdress, which 
should have been previously aired during the day. 

Above all things, from the earliest childhood give 
the children outdoor life. Pure air and sunshine are 
of the utmost importance. The natural instinct of the 
infant as soon as it is able to walk is to get outside the 
house, and it never consents to live in the house until 
its instincts are subdued. 

The practice of loading skirts upon young girls, 
hanging them from the hips, is a sure foundation for 
untold misery. The custom of corset-wearing should 
never be indulged. Healthful waists to support the 
clothes are much better. 

Another matter which should not be overlooked is 
that of attending to the wants of nature in children. 
They should be taught from their earliest days the 
importance of prompt attention to nature's calls. 
Much false delicacy exists upon this subject, which 
should be overcome. Many lifelong invalids owe their 



70 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

condition to lack of education upon the importance of 
this matter. We have endeavored in the article on 
digestion to point out the effects of retention of the 
excreta in the bowels. Much harm results also from 
the retention of the urine. Regular habits in attend- 
ing to these calls should be formed, and the importance 
should be taught to our children and made a special 
feature in their health education. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

CARE OF THE SICK. 

IN the preceding part of this work, general laws are 
laid down for the preservation of health. If this 
portion of the work was adhered to, this latter portion 
of the book could be omitted ; but the natural tend- 
ency of mankind is to follow habit, and take physic. 

Sickness, however unwelcome a visitor it may be, 
frequently finds its way into the family; therefore 
some instruction in the care of the sick is a necessity. 
When sickness enters the family, the members should 
give attention to diet and personal cleanliness, and 
use every precaution to keep themselves from disease. 
Ventilation is very important for the well members of 
the family and especially beneficial to the afflicted. 

It is of importance to maintain an even temperature 
in the sick-room, avoiding uncomfortable heat, and 
endeavoring to suit the ideas of the patient as far as 
possible. Extreme changes of temperature should be 
guarded against, as the sick are sensitive, and life may 
be imperiled in consequence. Endeavor to supply the 
sick with plenty of fresh air. If from the construction 
of the room the opening of the windows would expose 
the patient to a direct draught, fresh air should be 
supplied from an adjoining room. Fresh air will prove 

[7i] 



72 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

of more benefit to the sick than even food or medicine. 
Many invalids would make rapid recovery if they could 
have a full supply of pure, invigorating air. The oxy- 
gen of the air, combining with the blood, is an effect- 
ual germicide in the body, destroying the germs and 
bacteria of disease. We trust the importance of this 
matter may be impressed upon the minds of those 
who care for the sick. 

Nurses should pay attention to their own health, es- 
pecially in cases of prolonged illness of the patient. It 
is better to have two or three to depend upon, thus 
changing and sharing the care and confinement. To 
this end, the nurse should have exercise in the open 
air as often as possible. 

When fever enters a family, it frequently occurs that 
more than one suffer from it. There is no necessity 
for this if the family will live according to correct 
principles. It is very important to search out the 
cause of the illness; and if due to anything about the 
premises, the cause should be removed. 

The sick, as a general thing, need quiet and undis- 
turbed rest. Frequently this cannot be obtained on 
account of visitors and callers. It is a mistaken kind- 
ness that leads so many to visit the sick. During a 
visit the patient becomes more or less excited, and the 
reaction is too great for their enfeebled energies, and 
frequently brings them into a dangerous condition. 
Those who cannot make themselves useful should be 
very cautious in visiting the sick. If they can do no 
good, they may do harm. Sympathy can be shown 
for friends and relatives in sickness without visiting. 



CARE OF THE SICK. 73 

The custom of having watchers for the sick at night 
is not, as a usual thing, to be commended. In critical 
cases it may be necessary, but usually more harm than 
good is done the sick by this practice. The watchers 
usually make more or less noise moving about, which 
disturbs the sick ; and where there are two watchers, 
their whispering and talking is very trying to the 
nerves of the patient. 

By far the better plan is for the attendant to occupy 
an adjoining room from which the slightest noise may 
be heard, leaving the patient in darkness as far as 
possible. Rest and quiet through the night are the 
best inducements to sleep to the patient, and great 
importance should be attached to the fact that sleep 
is a great restorer. Attendants should be thoughtful 
and judicious regarding noise or excitement in the 
sick-room or in the house. Everything should be 
kept as quiet as possible. Doors should be opened and 
shut with great care. Frequently doors will creak 
when moved upon their hinges. A drop or two of oil 
applied to the hinge will remedy this annoyance. 

The attendant should not move about hurriedly, but 
preserve a calm and unexcited demeanor. Do not 
wear a starched garment or anything that rustles. 
Avoid all little noises. Sometimes the rocking of a 
chair, the creaking of a shoe, or the turning over of 
the leaves of a book or newspaper will cause misery to 
the patient. Do not jar the room by a heavy tread, 
nor the bed by leaning or kicking against it, and above 
all, never sit on the bed. 

Never wake a sleeping patient unless under the 



74 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

physician's special orders. Keep the mind of the 
patient as quiet as possible. Allow no whispering; 
talking is less objectionable than whispering. Ask no 
more questions than are absolutely necessary, and 
avoid asking the patient to repeat a remark. Do not 
speak to him suddenly, and do not tax him to make a 
decision upon anything that can be avoided; but 
quietly make what changes you may think are neces- 
sary. It should be born in mind that the weakness of 
the patient extends to the mind as well as to the body. 
In preparing food for the patient, do not consult him 
in regard to it. Never let him see, smell, or hear any- 
thing of the food, until it is brought to him. Let each 
meal be a pleasant surprise, and by all means serve 
everything with a dainty neatness. 

If possible let the patient be placed so he may see 
out of the window. The sick-room should be the 
brightest in the house, and so arranged as to give all 
the sunlight that the patient can bear. 

It is important that the nurse should have a place 
for everything and everything in its place, so that in 
case of emergency, one can find what is needed in a 
moment. Do not mislay things so as to be obliged to 
hunt for them when wanted. 

Flowers are often beneficial in the sick-room, but 
those of powerful odor should be excluded. The 
flowers should be removed and burned at the first 
symptoms of withering. 

If possible, the bed should not be pushed against 
the wall. Let there be room for free circulation of air 
all around it, and space to go in and out without 



CARE OF THE SICK. 75 

jarring the patient. Do not allow reading aloud un- 
less specially requested by the patient, and it should 
be discontinued the moment it seems to cause weari- 
ness. 

A cheerful countenance should be insisted upon in 
the sick-room. The nurse may be tired and worn- 
out, and perhaps feel far from cheerful, but this should 
be concealed from the patient. 

It is a very common practice for friends to tempt 
the appetite of those who are sick, with dainties. 
This is a very pernicious habit. As a general thing, 
patients, in the beginning of sickness, should abstain 
from all food; and the use of broth, that favorite in- 
valid diet, which is only concentrated meat, should be 
absolutely prohibited. But little if any animal food 
should be partaken of in health, and none in sickness. 
With our system of treatment there is no necessity for 
" high " nourishment. Vegetables, bread, rice, tapioca, 
fruit, and milk are the proper foods for the sick. 
Water is the best drink in health, and must therefore 
be the proper drink in sickness. Let it be abundant, 
as pure as can be obtained, and let it be changed fre- 
quently that it may not become warm and tasteless. 

Whenever it is practicable, the patient should have 
exercise out-of-doors. This possibly may not be more 
than sitting on the porch in an arm-chair or wheel- 
chair; but the fresh air and sunshine are great tonics. 
Even in disagreeable weather, if the patient is suffi- 
ciently protected, no harm can arise from a ride or a 
walk in the open air. It is not only by contact with 
the outer air that the patient receives benefit, but 



76 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

the change of scene brings change of thought, and 
this proves beneficial. 

Those who have the care of the sick should train 
the senses of observation, and be able to detect the lit- 
tle differences which may not seem of consequence to 
the ordinary observer. By the ability to detect these 
seeming insignificant changes, will come the success 
in detecting disease. While it is not advisable to be 
continually worrying for fear something may ail our 
friends or children, or to be continually dosing, it is of 
extreme importance to be able to detect the changes 
which are the signals of approaching disease. 

It is important to be able to make what physicians 
term a " correct diagnosis," or, in other words, to be 
able to know what ails your patient. This may be de- 
termined by a close observation of the patient by 
means of the pulse, temperature, etc. The pulse is an 
indicator of the circulation. While this varies indif- 
ferent individuals even in perfect health, yet the pulse 
constitutes a very good sign of the action of the heart. 
It averages about seventy beats a minute in adults, but 
it is much more frequent in children. In old persons 
it grows more slow and feeble, owing to the decreased 
energy of the heart. The pulse is increased both in 
strength and frequency by running or walking, by 
singing, speaking, etc., and is diminished by fear, want 
of nourishment, excessive evacuations, or whatever 
tends to debilitate the system. The usual place to 
look for the pulse is at the wrist, although it may be 
found in the temple, just before, and close to, the ear. 
In feeling the pulse of sick persons, allowance should 
be made for the causes of variation, and an additional 



CARE OF THE SICK. 77 

test should be made after the temporary effects have 
ceased. 

A full, tense, and strong pulse is when the artery 
swells boldly under the finger and resists the pressure 
more or less. If, in addition to this, the pulsation be 
very rapid, it is called quick ; if slow, the contrary. 
A hard, corded pulse is that in which the artery feels 
like the string of a violin, giving considerable resist- 
ance to the pressure of the finger. The soft and inter- 
mitting pulses are easily known by their names. In 
cases of extreme debility, on the approach of death, 
and in some particular diseases, the artery vibrates 
under the finger like a thread. In feeling the pulse 
three or four fingers should be laid upon it at once. 

To ascertain the nature of disease, we may use the 
following rules : — 

i. Take note of the temperature and dryness of 
the skin. 

2. Find whether the pulse beats slow or quick, 
weak or strong. 

3. Inquire as to the state of the bowels and 
kidneys. 

4. Inquire concerning the patient's appetite. 

5. Examine the patient's tongue. 

6. General appearance of the patient. 

7. Changes of color or skin. 

8. If the patient is in bed, observe the position, 
manner of lying, — whether on the back or side, — 
whether quiet or restless. 

9. If the patient is out of bed, observe his pos- 
ture, gait, stiffness, loss of power in his limbs, etc. 

10. The sensations of the patient. 



^8 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

In prescribing medicine or treatment, the following 
circumstances should always be kept in view : Age, 
sex, temperament, habit, climate, the condition of the 
stomach, and general appearance. 

Sex. — Women require smaller doses than men. 
They are more rapidly affected by treatment than 
men, and the condition of the uterine system should 
never be overlooked. 

Temperament. — Stimulants and purgatives more 
readily affect the sanguine than the phlegmatic, and 
consequently the former require smaller doses. 

Habits. — The knowledge of habits is essential, for 
persons who habitually use stimulants or narcotics re- 
quire larger doses to affect them while laboring under 
disease. 

Climate. — Medicines act differently on the same in- 
dividual in summer from winter, and in different cli- 
mates. Narcotics act more powerfully in hot than in 
cold climates, hence smaller doses are required in the 
former. 

Condition of the Stomach. — The least active reme- 
dies operate very quickly on some individuals, owing 
to conditions of the stomach or peculiar disposition of 
the body. This is usually discovered ; and when it is 
known, it should also have attention by the attendant. 

Much more might be said in the way of general 
advice, but by close adherence to these leading prin- 
ciples, and by paying careful attention to the symp- 
toms of the various diseases as given in this work, 
with the judicious use of the remedies recommended, 
the attendant may feel confident to attend to any of 
the ordinary ailments of the family. 



CHAPTER IX. 

PURE MEDICINES. 

IN order to reduce the practice of medicine to an 
exact science, it is necessary to understand each 
disease and antidote. To do this, it is absolutely 
negessary that physicians should be supplied with 
medicines that are invariable and unchangeable. No 
physician can hope to practice with any degree of 
certainty or satisfaction while medicines of different 
strength are upon the market. The general public 
are not aware of the various causes that produce so 
great an unreliability in medicines. The great ma- 
jority of medicines are compounded from roots, vegeta- 
bles, barks, and herbs. Among many causes which 
produce unreliability are the following: They are not 
collected at the right season of the year, they are not 
properly cured, and differences in soil and climate pro- 
duce great differences in the strength and quality of 
the articles. Many articles become inert or worthless 
through age or other causes. Also chemical changes 
take place on account of light, heat, and the atmos- 
phere. Many pharmacists are deficient in knowledge 
of how to make their selections, and many vegetable 
remedies are easily adulterated. Physicians and phar- 
macists are usually unable to tell whether the crude 

C79] 



80 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

articles are pure or not, and they are not sufficiently 
skilled to test those which they purchase, and to know 
that they are of proper quality and properly com- 
pounded. Patients lose their lives for want of this 
knowledge on the part of their medical advisers. The 
result is that the physician is often disappointed in 
his prescription. 

The prescriptions used in our remedies, and the 
remedies themselves can be relied upon. We pur- 
chase only the purest drugs from the largest dealers 
in the world, and in very large quantities. With our 
methods of purchasing and testing we are enabled to 
place before the public medicines that can be abso- 
lutely relied upon. 



CHAPTER X 

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS. 

THE remedies contained in the medicine case are 
put up in tablet form for convenience in use, as 
well as for accuracy in doses, They will retain all 
their active properties for years if the bottles are kept 
tightly corked. They contain no harmful ingredi- 
ents, and can be used freely for the conditions for 
which they are recommended. For adults they can 
be administered dry or in water, as is most agreeable. 
They are carefully arranged by number, each num- 
ber indicating the symptom or condition for which it 
is used ; and if the directions are carefully followed in 
each instance, no mistake can result, and much good 
will be accomplished by their administration. 

The dose given in every instance in the book is for 
adults, unless otherwise specified. The dose for chil- 
dren is as follows : Dissolve twelve tablets (or the 
same proportion ) in twelve teaspoonfuls of pure water. 
The dose for a child fifteen years of age is one tea- 
spoonful, as directed ; for a child of ten years, two 
thirds of a teaspoonful ; for a child of five years, one 
half teaspoonful ; for a child two years old, one fourth 
teaspoonful ; for a child one year old, fifteen drops ; for 
an infant six months old, ten drops ; for an infant three 
months old, five drops. 

6 [81] 



82 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

Remedy No. i is a Fever Tablet, and is indicated 
when there is an elevation of bodily temperature, when 
the pulse is quick, strong, and full; skin dry and hot. 
It should not be used if the pulse is weak and ex- 
tremely rapid, skin moist, or cold and clammy. 

Remedy No. 2 is a general systemic Sedative, and 
is especially indicated when there is a low grade of 
fever, or where there is a great deal of nervous excite- 
ment ; for headache, restlessness, and a sleepless con- 
dition. It is useful to allay irritation when children 
are teething, and for infants' convulsions, and spasms. 

Remedy No. 3 is valuable for all forms of Diarrhea, 
and is specially valuable in infantile diarrhea when the 
discharges are watery and accompanied by a disagree- 
able odor, as in cholera infantum ; winter cholera ; and, 
in fact, whenever there is a looseness of the bowels 
that needs regulating. 

Remedy No. 4 is for Constipation, is useful in all 
chronic cases, and for all bilious conditions, or where 
there is a clogged-up condition of the alimentary 
canal. 

To overcome constipation, give one tablet every 
night. For a brisk cathartic, give two tablets. This 
remedy is not intended for infants, or for children un- 
der the age of five years ; for such, the enema should 
be depended upon solely. 

Remedy No. 5 is a Tonic. This is a general sys- 
temic tonic, and is indicated in all forms of general de- 
bility or where the general tone of the system is below 
the normal ; should be used during the convalescing 
period of all acute diseases or whenever a strengthen- 



SPECIAL DIRECTIONS. 83 

ing or invigorating medicine is needed. The dose as 
atonic is one tablet three times a day, children in pro- 
portion to their age. 

Remedy No. 6 is an Antiseptic and Germicide ; is 
valuable in all germ diseases, such as typhoid fever, 
diphtheria, scarlet fever, catarrh of the stomach, bow- 
els, or bladder. It is useful in cholera infantum. The 
dose for an adult is one tablet every two or three 
hours until patient is much better, then take three 
times a day; children in proportion. 

Remedy No. 7 is for Pain, and is indicated in all 
forms of acute pain, such as colic, cramp in the stom- 
ach, cholera morbus, neuralgia of the stomach or bow- 
els. The dose for adults is one tablet every half hour 
until pain is relieved; children in proportion. As this 
remedy is only to relieve pain, no more should be 
given than is needed to ease the sufferer. 

Remedy No. 8 is for Nausea and Vomiting, and is 
useful in all cases where these conditions are present. 
To settle the stomach, the dose for adults is one tablet 
every hour until the desired effect is obtained; children 
in proportion. 

Remedy No. 9 is for Coughs and Colds, and is 
a valuable cough remedy; is useful in all forms of 
coughs, croup, asthma, pneumonia, la grippe, etc. 
For severe, intractable coughs, take for adults twelve 
tablets, and dissolve in twelve teaspoonfuls of water; 
take half teaspoonful every half hour until relieved. 
For ordinary colds, one tablet every hour or two; dose 
for children according to age. For chronic coughs 
or bronchitis, one tablet three to six times a day; 



84 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

for croup and asthma, repeat often until patient is 
relieved. 

Remedy No. 10 is for Neuralgic and Rheumatic 
pains. It is useful in all forms of neuralgia, rheuma- 
tism, and muscular pain of all kinds. Dose for an 
adult, when the pain is severe, is one tablet every 
hour until relieved. For rheumatism, one tablet four 
to six times a day; children in proportion. 



CHAPTER XL 

BATHS AND TREATMENT. 

THE effects of water upon the system are very- 
marked. The results differ greatly as the ap- 
plication is brief or prolonged. The effects of local 
and general application are also different. When ap- 
plied to special organs, special results are produced. 
The operation of water which is cool in temperature, 
coming in contact with the body, is to abstract the 
heat from the body. This is true whether applied to 
all or a portion of the body. The small arteries being 
brought in contact with the cold are made to con- 
tract, thus diminishing the circulation, and also the 
production of heat. The same result is also produced 
upon the heart, lessening the rapidity of its movement. 
The prolonged application of cold water has two ef- 
fects, — that of abstracting the heat and lessening the 
circulation. 

When the cold bath is applied for a very short 
period, it excites the nerve-centers which control the 
circulation and the heat-producing functions, and 
through reaction the opposite effect is obtained from 
that of a prolonged application. 

Thus cold water can be used either as a stimulant 
or to diminish the animal heat and the circulation. 

[85] 



86 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

The effects of the hot bath are equally marked upon 
the system. A brief application will cause an in- 
creased circulation and increased heat. It produces 
an acceleration of the pulse, and increases the animal 
heat according to the temperature of the bath. The 
effects of the hot-air baths and vapor-baths are the 
same, although more heat can be applied in this way 
without injury than by the use of water. 

The temperature of water used in bathing varies 
greatly, and what may seem warm to one would be 
cold to another, also the sensations of temperature 
vary in the same individual at different times. The 
only accurate method of testing the temperature is by 
means of the thermometer. In the absence of a regular 
thermometer, the clinical thermometer, which we fur- 
nish with the medicine case, can be used for this pur- 
pose, care being taken to jar the column of mercury 
below what the supposed temperature of the water 
may be. 

For convenience the bath has been divided into six 
temperatures: — 

1. Cold Bath 33 degrees to 60 degrees F. 

2. Cool Bath 60 

3. Temperate ... -75 

4. Tepid 85 

5. Warm .92 

6. Hot 98 

Full Bath. — With the modern conveniences of liv- 
ing, nearly every family possesses a bath-tub. It can 
be made very easily by an ordinary carpenter. The 
dimensions should be about 6 ft. long x 2 ft. wide x 18 



a a 


7$ 


<< li 


85 


u t< 


92 


11 a 


98 


<t it 


112 



BATHS AND TREATMENT. Zj 

in. deep, making it about three inches wider at the 
top than at the bottom. This should be lined with 
zinc or tin by a tinner. In the absence of this, how- 
ever, two or three coats of paint inside and out will 
make it water-proof. 

Sufficient water should be placed in the tub to cover 
the patient excepting the head. The warm bath 
should be taken for cleanliness or soothing effects, and 
the temperature should be cooled a little by the addi- 
tion of cold water before leaving the bath. This is 
one of the most refreshing of baths, and every family 
ought to possess a bath-tub, which should be used, at 
least once a week, by every member of the family. 

Hot Bath. — This is used to excite action of the skin, 
and open the pores to relieve the system of foreign 
accumulations. Fill the tub sufficiently with water at 
98 , put the patient in, carefully add hot water until the 
temperature reaches 108 or no Q . Allow the patient 
to continue in the bath from ten to twenty minutes; 
should faintness occur, apply a towel wet with cold 
water around the head. The patient should then be 
removed, placed in bed, wrapped with warm blank- 
ets, and allowed to sweat for an hour or two. 

The cold bath is frequently used to lower the tem- 
perature in fevers, but the temperature is not so easily 
controlled in this manner as it is by means of the 
sponge-bath, therefore we shall in our fever treatments 
advise the employment of the sponge-bath. 

Steam-Bath. — The steam-bath is one of the best 
methods for stimulating the skin to that activity which 
is indispensable to perfect health, and is one of the 



88 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

most efficient methods of relieving internal conges- 
tion, and eliminating the morbid matter which is the 
cause of disease. The apparatus required is so simple 
that it has a tendency to belittle the effects in the 
minds of many people; but we trust that due impor- 
tance will be given to this method of treatment, which 
is really one of the most efficient aids to nature that 
has ever been devised. The neccessary articles are a 
couple of blankets, a pan or kettle, and a chair. With 
this simple apparatus the most marked effects upon 
the human body are obtainable. 

To apply the steam-bath, sufficient water should be 
had, boiling hot. The patient should be disrobed, 
placed in the chair, and the blankets pinned closely 
around the neck, one in front and the other behind, 
both falling upon the floor in such a manner as to ex- 
clude all air. The blanket should be lifted and the 
water placed under the chair in the kettle or pan, care 
being taken that the air is entirely excluded. A 
bucket should be provided, partly filled with water 
from 100° to 105 °, into which put the feet of the 
patient, care being taken to prevent the steam from 
the hot water escaping. As some persons do not per- 
spire very readily, it may sometimes be necessary in 
the beginning to put the patient entirely under the 
blankets. This will not cause any unpleasantness, but 
is frequently very beneficial, especially in case of colds 
in the head. Care should be taken in changing the 
blankets from the head to the neck, not to allow the 
vapor to escape. 

Sometimes faintness occurs, in which case a towel 



BATHS AND TREATMENT. 89 

wrung out of cold water should be wrapped about the 
head. Usually the sensation of thirst occurs almost 
at the beginning of the bath. The drinking of water 
may be freely indulged in, as it has a beneficial effect. 

Care will need to be taken in administering this bath, 
as persons of some temperaments perspire much more 
easily than others. Those that are robust are able to 
take the bath for much longer periods than those who 
are sickly or seriously ill. 

Sometimes the steam-bath is needed especially for 
the abdomen and upper parts of the body, in which case 
the patient should sit facing the back of the chair, and 
an additional vessel filled with boiling water placed 
between the patient and the back of the chair, care 
being taken that it does not touch the body. 

It is frequently necessary, where the time of the bath 
is prolonged to fifteen or twenty minutes, to change 
the water, replenishing with that which is boiling hot, 
or a half brick may be heated red hot and put into the 
water already in use. 

On leaving the bath, the patient should be cooled 
by the hip- or sitz-bath, (p. 91), dripping-wet sheet, 
(p. 92), or by the following method: Have ready a basin 
of cool water and a towel. Withdraw the water from 
under the chair, have patient uncover one arm, and 
let the attendant dip his hand in the cool water and 
apply it briskly to the arm. Rub dry with towel, 
repeat the same for the other arm. Drop the blanket 
down from over the chest, wet this with the cool water 
by the hand in the same manner, wipe dry; proceed on 
the back in the same way. Throw something over 



90 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

the arms, chest, and shoulders of the patient, then 
wet and dry the hips, and then each leg. The patient 
should then, if vigorous enough, dress warm and take 
a brisk walk, or if feeble, may be placed in bed. 

Spirit Vapor-Bath. — This is the same in all re- 
spects as the steam bath, except that in place of hot 
water, alcohol is used. Under the chair put a coffee- 
cup one-third full of alcohol. This should be placed 
in a pan or on a plate. The patient should be placed 
the same as in the steam bath, with the feet in a pail 
of warm water. Place the cup containing the alcohol 
in the pan under the chair, and light the alcohol care- 
fully with a match. The further instructions are the 
same as for the steam bath. In using this bath, should 
the temperature become too high, it can be lowered 
by raising the bottom of blankets a little, care being 
taken to avoid chilling the patient. Headache, high 
pulse, and flushed face are indications of too high 
temperature. 

The spirit vapor-bath can be administered to the 
patient in bed. The necessary articles are a rubber 
bag, hot water, and alcohol. Fill the bag partly full 
with boiling water, and close. If filled completely, it 
does not adapt itself to the parts in contact. The bag 
should be covered with flannel buttoned on with cloth 
buttons. This makes it much more pleasant to the 
touch. In using it for the vapor-bath, after filling with 
the hot water, pour on a tablespoonful or two of 
alcohol. Have the patient in bed, and place the bag 
between the feet or knees; cover warmly with blan- 
kets, tucking them in about the patient very carefully, 



BATHS AND TREATMENT. 91 

that the alcoholic vapor may not escape. In a short 
time the skin becomes flushed, and a gentle perspira- 
tion follows. It is a most important and efficacious 
method of overcoming local inflammation. 

Hip- or Sitz-bath. — The sitz-bath tub is usually made 
for the purpose, and has the back raised eight or ten 
inches higher than the front. In case this cannot be 
had, a common wash-tub may be used, and should 
have a support placed under one edge, two or three 
inches thick. 

Place enough water in the tub to a little more than 
cover the hips. Usually four to six gallons will be 
sufficient. The temperature of the water should be 
according to the results desired. During the bath the 
hips and trunk should be well rubbed by the patient 
or attendant. The patient should be covered with a 
sheet or blanket. Very hot or very cold sitz-baths are 
not advisable. It is usually best to begin the bath 
with water at from 90 to 95 °, After the patient has 
been in the bath a few minutes, it can be cooled to 
70 or 8o° by adding cold water, taking out some 
that is in the tub if desirable. 

Towel- or Sponge-Bath. — This is the simplest method 
of applying water to the body. The appliances re- 
quired are very simple. A cotton or linen cloth or a 
soft sponge and a couple of towels are all that is neces- 
sary. The quantity of water required may vary from 
a pint to a few quarts, The temperature of the water 
should be from 90 to 95 °, although it can be used as 
low as 75 or 8o°. Beginning with the face, the neck, 
arms, and shoulders should be wet with a sponge, then 



92 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

rubbed vigorously with a dry towel until the skin is 
red; continue the process over the remaining portions 
of the body, not wetting too large a space at one time. 
The upper portion of the body should be occasionally 
rubbed to prevent chilling. If possible, the tempera- 
ture of the room should be nearly that of the body. 
It is well at the conclusion of the bath to go over the 
body again with a dry towel, in order that the skin 
may be thoroughly dried. The time consumed in 
bathing should not be more than ten or fifteen minutes. 
It will sometimes be necessary to cover the portion of 
the body not being bathed, in order to prevent chilli- 
ness. When this bath is used for cleanliness, as it 
should be frequently, a little good toilet soap should 
be occasionally used. 

Sponge-Bath for Fever Patients. — The articles 
necessary for this bath are the same as used for towel-, 
or sponge-bath. The patient, lying in bed, should 
have the clothing removed, but only a portion of the 
body should be uncovered at a time. Two bath towels 
or towels that are soft and loose in texture should be 
used. Let the patient uncover an arm; the attendant 
should then apply the water to it with a sponge or 
cloth, at a temperature of 70 to 8o°, wetting the sur- 
face briskly several times, using care that the water 
does not drip on the bed. Take the towel and wrap 
it loosely about the arm, leaving it there until the 
second arm can be wet in the same manner. Take 
the towel from the first arm and apply it in the same 
manner to the second; then wet the neck and chest, 
going over it very rapidly, with a light touch, avoid- 
ing friction as much as possible both with the sponge 



BATHS AND TREATMENT. 93 

and with towel, as the object to be sought is not that of 
exciting the surface, but the evaporation of the water 
and the lowering of the temperature by the absorp- 
tion of the heat of the patient. The abdomen should 
next receive attention, being very careful to avoid 
irritation, if there is soreness of the bowels. Then, 
placing one of the towels under the leg, raise it up by 
bending the knee; go over it rapidly with a wet cloth, 
using the drying towel as before; proceed with the 
other leg, then have the patient lay on his side, turn- 
ing well to the front. The back may now be gone 
over in the same manner as the rest of the body. 
Care should be taken to avoid any unnecessary ex- 
posure of the body, covering it as rapidly as it is gone 
over. This bath should not occupy more than five or 
ten minutes, and can be repeated every half hour or 
oftener if necessary. 

The object of this bath being to lower the tempera- 
ture, extreme care should be taken not to excite the 
skin by friction, either in applying the water or by 
drying with the towel. The surface should not be 
rubbed with the towel, but it should be applied gently, 
to absorb the surplus moisture. The heat of the body 
will rapidly dry the remainder. 

Foot-Bath. — A pail or tub large enough to receive 
the feet and sufficient water to cover them, is all that 
is required for this bath. The feet and ankles should 
be rubbed during the bath. When used as a cold 
bath, the water should be about one half inch deep. 

Pouring- He ad Bath. — The patient should bend the 
head over a tub to catch the water or in some other 
convenient place, when the attendant pours a steady 



94 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

though moderate stream of warm, cool, or cold water, 
according to the effect desired, over the front and top, 
and then sides, and lastly back of the head, rubbing 
the fingers through the hair until it is well wet. The 
water must not be poured upon the head from a 
heighth of more than a few inches. A common half- 
gallon pitcher is a convenient vessel for giving this 
bath. 

Dripping-Wet Sheet. — A sheet of ordinary thick- 
ness, linen or coarse cotton (linen preferred), large or 
small, according to size of person, to reach from head 
to foot, is made dripping wet with tepid water. The 
patient should stand in a tub of warm water; the at- 
tendant, standing behind the person, takes the sheet 
in such a manner as to throw it quickly around the 
subject. It is doubled in front and should be wrapped 
between the legs, pinning it in front at top. The at- 
tendant then briskly rubs over the whole person with 
the hands from the outside of the sheet until the sheet 
is warm. This should be done energetically with those 
that are robust, but the more delicate will require 
gentler treatment. After two or three minutes of 
rubbing, the sheet should be quickly dropped into the 
tub, allow the patient to step out, and quickly envelop 
him in a dry sheet, rubbing dry as rapidly as possible, 
to prevent chilling. Be particular to see that every 
part is thoroughly dried. The attendant should give 
particular attention to the instructions, in order to 
enable himself to give this bath well. 

Wet- Sheet Pack. — Spread two or three comfortables 
or thick blankets upon the bed, covering with a woolen 



BATHS AND TREATMENT. 95 

blanket, which should be drawn down a little below 
the others. Next take the sheet (which should be 
large enough to go around the patient twice), spread 
this, lightly wrung out of tepid water, upon the bed. 
The patient lying down flat on the back, with arms 
drawn down to the sides, is quickly enveloped in the 
sheet. This should be well tucked in, then followed 
in the same manner with the blanket, care being taken 
to adjust them so that the air will be excluded. A 
pillow should be placed under the patient's head, and 
the upper end of the coverings should be arranged so 
as not to exclude the air from the face or discommode 
the patient. The hot-water bag should be placed at 
the feet, and a cold cloth kept upon the head. On 
coming out of the pack, the dripping-wet sheet (p. 92), 
or the sponge-bath (p. 91) may.be employed, and the 
patient dried with a towel. The wet-sheet pack is 
not a sweating process, as is generally supposed, al- 
though patients can be made to sweat and quite co- 
piously. It is both a cooling and heating process. 
When the object is to reduce fever or inflammation, 
the patient should be lightly covered. When the in- 
tention is to produce sweating and develop the exter- 
nal circulation, an additional quantity of blankets 
should be employed. Ordinarily the pack should be 
continued from one half to three quarters of an hour, 
but the time of its continuance should be regulated by 
the condition of the patient, and the effects desired. 
If there are any unpleasant or unfavorable symptoms 
manifested, the patient should be removed at once. 
Sometimes the pack may induce sleep. In this case 



g6 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

the patient may remain an hour or longer if strong. 

Compresses. — The compress is made of cloth in three 
or four thicknesses, preferably of flannel, but any ma- 
terial may be used. A towel folded lengthwise and 
then across is generally the most available. The 
compress may be used either to cool or retain heat. 
If it is to be used for cooling, the compress should be 
wet with cold or ice-water as directed, wringing it so 
it will not drip, then placing it upon the part. It 
should not be allowed to remain longer than from 
three to five minutes without changing. The cold 
may be increased by placing snow or ice between the 
folds of the compress. This will not need to be re- 
newed so frequently, but should be carefully watched, 
as injury may be done by allowing it to remain too 
long. Compresses and fomentations take the place of 
the old-fashioned poultice, and are much more agree- 
able both to nurse and patient. 

Fomentations. — A fomentation is similar in its char- 
acter to the compress; in fact, it may be called a 
hot compress. It is usual to use a large, soft flannel 
for this purpose, which should be from two and one 
half to three feet square, folding it so that it will be of 
three or four thicknesses. Wet the flannel in water, 
wring it moderately dry, lay it between the leaves of 
a newspaper, and place it on top of a moderately hot 
stove. Allow it to remain a moment, turn the paper 
over to heat through the other side, open the paper, 
fold the flannel together, and apply quickly. 

These should be used upon the patient as hot as can 
be borne. The cloth should remain three to five min- 



BATHS AND TREATMENT. 97 

utes, then be replaced with a second one; two cloths 
being employed, so that the second can be applied as 
soon as the first one is removed. During the applica- 
tion it should be covered with another flannel or cloth, 
to retain the heat. 

Wet-Towel Night-Cap. — A small towel folded, and 
wet in cold water, laid on the forehead and eyes, will 
relieve the tired worker, induce sleep, and unclog the 
brain better than any nerve tonic that can be given. 
This can be worn through the night, and can be fast- 
ened with tapes. 

Enema. — The internal application of water to the 
lower bowel by means of the syphon-, or fountain-syr- 
inge, is very beneficial in controlling the temperature. 
The syphon-syringe is the preferable way of adminis- 
tering; the, bulb- or hand-syrin'ge frequently admits 
air, which causes pain in the bowels. 

The patient should lie upon the back or side. Warm 
water should be used when the object is to soften hard 
fecal masses and remove them. A small cool enema 
when the object is to stimulate action in the lower 
bowel, and a large hot enema when it is desired to re- 
lieve inflammation. Cold enemas are useful in fevers. 

There has no cathartic or laxative ever been dis- 
covered that is more useful for removing fecal accu- 
mulations in the lower bowel than the warm enema. 
The results are so much quicker and superior to the 
old cathartic process, that it is to be wondered at that 
the enema is not used exclusively. 

To relieve constipation the water should be about 
blood warm. From one to three quarts should be 

7 



98 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

used. The water should be retained from ten to fif- 
teen minutes, and it will be beneficial to knead the 
bowels during this time. Should there be any diffi- 
culty in retaining the water, a sponge or folded cloth 
should be tightly held against the anus. 

During a high fever, a large cool enema is very val- 
uable in lowering the temperature. The temperature 
of the water employed should be from 70 to 8o°. 
Frequently from two to three quarts can be used. 
This should be injected very slowly, and should be re- 
tained from ten to fifteen minutes. After evacuation, 
a small enema of half a pint of water at about 6o° may 
be put into the bowel and allowed to remain. The 
mucous coating will absorb it. 

The use of the enema for constipation should not be 
continued for any considerable time, as this method of 
relief may, in course of time, be the cause of aggravat- 
ing the trouble. The relief of constipation by enema 
should be but temporary. Permanent relief can only 
come through change of diet and habits. of eating. 

Hot- Water Bag. — No family should be without the 
rubber bag. If not readily found at your drug stores, 
we can supply you with a superior article at a low 
price. (See advertisement in the back part of this 
book.) The rubber bag is invaluable for local inflam- 
mations, disturbed circulation, and cold feet. With 
the rubber bag is furnished a long rubber tube which 
can be used for the enema, and also for vaginal 
douches. 

In the preceding paragraphs we have indicated the 
general methods of bathing. There are some direc- 



BATHS AND TREATMENT. 99 

tions to which we would call especial attention. A 
full bath should not be taken less than three hours af- 
ter a full meal. This does not apply to compresses or 
fomentations. Do not take any cold bath when in a 
state of chilliness or fatigue. Always have the feet 
comfortably warm before taking any cold bath. If in- 
clined to headache, wet the head in cool water before 
bathing. Do not apply very hot or very cold treat- 
ment to aged or feeble patients. Never drink cold 
water just before bathing. Do not eat soon after bath- 
ing. An hour should elapse after a full bath, and 
half an hour after a local bath, before taking a meal. 
Patients who are able should exercise before and after 
bathing. If not able to exercise and inclined to chilli- 
ness, they should cover up in bed for an hour after 
bathing. No strong shock should ever be given to the 
patient. After bathing, do not sit in a draught of 
cold air nor allow the feet to become cold. Avoid all 
cold or very hot baths in all cases of great debility or 
local congestions, also all processes which disturb the 
circulation, as douche, shower, or plunge baths. All 
full baths, except the warm, are better in the morning 
or forenoon than in the afternoon or evening. When 
baths are taken regularly every day, they should be 
omitted occasionally, that the patient may not become 
dependent upon them. Very cold or very hot baths 
are seldom required. The best way is to use water of 
a milder temperature. Baths for sick persons should 
always be made of a temperature agreeable to their 
feelings. The temperature of the bathing room should 
always be comfortably warm. For invalids the tern- 



100 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

perature should be from 70 to 8o°. Attendants 
should be very careful in giving proper attention to 
patients during a bath, that they may not be appre- 
hensive that they are forgotten. If any unusual or 
unexpected symptoms are manifested, the patient 
should be removed from the bath at once. In case of 
faintness, which may sometimes appear in feeble 
patients during a hot bath, apply cold water to the 
head, give cold water to drink, and lower the tempera- 
ture of the bath. If possible, place the patient in a 
horizontal position. 

There is a certain delicacy which should be main- 
tained toward the patient by the attendant in giving 
baths and treatment ; therefore do not expose the 
person of the patient any more than is absolutely 
necessary. Avoid any remarks which can possibly 
convey any idea of indelicacy. While the patient 
may be in the hands of the nurse, the nurse should 
consider the person of the patient as sacred. 

We would impress upon the various members of the 
household into whose care this book may come, to be- 
come thoroughly familiar with its contents. It is the 
aim of the author to make the information concise 
and practical, and the subjects treated should be 
thoroughly understood. The book is not intended as 
an ornament but for practical use, together with the 
outfit contained in the case. As the instructions con- 
tained in this work are very practical, and many times 
may be required in an emergency, it can readily be 
seen that a good practical knowledge of the subjects 



BATHS AND TREATMENT. 101 

herein treated is a necessity. The better acquainted 
people become with these matters, the more self-reliant 
they will feel, and the better able they will be to cope 
with the various emergencies that may arise. We 
emphasize it : Become thoroughly familiar with the 
book. 



CHAPTER XII. 

FEVERS. 

ALL medical writers admit that the presence of 
morbid matter in the system produces fever. 
Therefore fever is in reality a sort of cleansing pro- 
cess, the system thus manifesting its endeavor to rid 
itself of the foreign substances contained therein. 

As we have previously noted, these foreign sub- 
stances are at first chiefly deposited in the abdomen, 
but finally spread through the whole body and impede 
the normal operations of the organs. This matter 
may remain for a long time inactive, or it may sud- 
denly change into a state of activity. It consists al- 
most exclusively of soluble substances which are 
subject to decomposition, or which can be used to 
build up new tissues, according to the condition of the 
system. 

This morbid accumulation needs only the proper 
cause to set it into a state of activity resembling in 
some respects fermentation. Such a cause may be a 
sudden change of weather, or undue exposure, giving 
rise to what are known as " colds." The cause may 
also be improper food, or indigestion, causing active 
fermentation in the organs of digestion, which infects 
the morbid mass in the system. 
[102] 



FEVERS. 103 

We have previously mentioned that among the foes 
to which the human race is exposed, the germ oc- 
cupies one of the most important places. Eminent 
workers in bacteriology have shown that the air we 
breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink con- 
tain in greater or lesser numbers these minute organ- 
isms. There is not much doubt but that all of the 
contagious and infectious diseases, such as diphtheria, 
typhus and typhoid fever, and many others are pro- 
duced by these agents. It is not always possible to 
detect the presence of these germs in the air, but it 
can generally be considered that wherever foul odors 
exist, germs are also present, as these are almost in- 
variably associated together. 

The reception of these germs into the system when 
it is in a healthy condition, usually does but little 
harm; for in its healthful state it is impervious to 
the attacks of these invaders. When the body con- 
tains the proper soil for the reception and propagation 
of these minute organisms, their development is usu- 
ally exceedingly rapid. Sometimes it may take only 
a few days, while at other times weeks are required. 
This is called the period of incubation. This process 
of infection from disease germs cannot exist without 
the presence of foreign matter in the system. When 
we remove this deposited matter, the individual be- 
comes healthy, and these specific disease germs disap- 
pear of their own accord. 

When this morbid substance in the body is set in 
motion, it has a tendency to spread toward the surface. 
A condition of friction arises in the living tissues, and 



104 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

heat is developed. This is the explanation of fever 
heat. The rapid increase of the circulation brings the 
blood too frequently in contact with the oxygen of 
the air, causing a drying up of the fluids, closing the 
pores, suspending digestion, secretion, assimilation, 
and excretion. If this condition continues for suffi- 
cient time, death is the result. If we succeed in open- 
ing the vents, and in equalizing the circulation, the 
danger is removed ; for then the disturbing matters 
find an exit, the interior of the body is relieved, and 
the heat and tension of the skin subside immediately. 

Usually before the beginning of the heat, another 
symptom is noticed, seemingly the opposite of the 
first, — a feeling of chilliness. This may precede the 
fever for several days, sometimes only a few hours. 
This is occasioned by these foreign deposits in the ex- 
tremities, causing a partial clogging of the blood-ves- 
sels, especially in the smallest branches, so that the 
blood does not circulate properly at the surface. This 
causes cold feet and hands and a sensation of chilliness 
all over. This chilly feeling is the advance sign of fe- 
ver, and should receive attention in the beginning. If 
proper treatment is immediately applied, the disease 
will be checked before development. 

For this condition the following treatment may be 
used: The steam-bath (page 87), applied from twenty 
to thirty minutes; then, if the patient is an adult, use 
the sitz-bath (page 91 ), at a temperature of about 70 , 
or the dripping-wet sheet (page 94) can be used for 
children. Another good treatment, instead of the pre- 
ceding, is the wet-sheet pack (page 94), with the 



FEVERS. 105 

sheet wrung from very hot water, applying the rubber 
bag to the feet, using a full supply of blankets. Perspi- 
ration ought to continue for about an hour, unless the 
patient shows signs of weakness. In connection use 
remedy No. 1, as follows: One tablet every two hours 
while temperature is above 102° and surface is dry 
and flushed. When temperature drops and moisture 
ensues, use one tablet of No. 6 three times daily. 
During the convalescent period, use one tablet of No. 
5 three times a day. The doses prescribed in this 
book are for adults. For children's doses, see labels 
on the bottles. Read carefully Chapter X entitled 
"Special Instructions." This chapter gives a full de- 
scription of the Remedies and the methods of using 
same. 

The thermometer will be found an invaluable aid in 
the detection of fever. Frequently it is only by means 
of this instrument that an increase of temperature 
may be noticed. Care is necessary in the use of the 
thermometer to secure correct results. The usual 
method of taking the temperature is to place the bulb 
of the thermometer under the tongue of the patient, 
the lips being kept tightly closed around the tube for 
five or ten minutes. Or it may be taken by placing 
the instrument in the armpit. The arm should be 
drawn close to the body, so as to cover the instrument 
as completely as possible. The natural temperature 
of the body in these places is 98.6 . With young in- 
fants the thermometer should be introduced into the 
rectum. The temperature here is about one degree 
higher than in the mouth or armpit. It will be neces- 



106 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

sary before using the thermometer to shake the mer- 
cury down to 90 or 95 °. This may be done by taking 
the bulb end of the instrument in the hand, holding it 
downward, grasping it firmly yet carefully, then strik- 
ing the hand upon the knee, or upon the other hand 
closed. Two or three rather sharp blows will bring 
the column of mercury down. These are self-register- 
ing instruments, the mercury remaining in the glass 
in the position indicated by the temperature, until it 
is forcibly changed as described above. 

Unless the attendant is experienced in the use of 
the thermometer, a little practice will be necessary to 
read it correctly. When held in the proper position 
toward the light, the mercury can readily be seen, 
much magnified in appearance. The normal temper- 
ature (98.6 ) is marked upon the thermometer. A 
variation from this can readily be seen. In the use of 
this instrument, ample time should be allowed, when 
it is in position in the mouth or otherwise, that the 
true heat of the body may be indicated. Five min- 
utes at least are necessary. 

It is generally supposed that the temperature is low- 
ered during a chill, but the thermometer will show an 
elevation of temperature during the chill as well as 
during a fever. The thermometer is usually the only 
method of detecting this rise of temperature. In fe- 
vers the temperature usually does not rise above 103 
to 105 . It sometimes reaches 107? or io8 Q . Above 
this, the disease usually proves fatal, though not al- 
ways. The opposite condition from fever — depres- 
sion — is indicated by a temperature below normal, 



FEVERS. 107 

sometimes as low as 94 or 95 °. A very low temper- 
ature is as serious a condition as a very high one, but 
does not occur so frequently. 

Too much stress cannot be laid upon the importance 
of dealing with these early symptoms as indicated by 
the thermometer. Nearly all fevers are very similar 
in their earliest stages, and readily yield to treatment. 
Many times the full hot bath can be employed with 
the best of results. Frequently one of the early symp- 
toms of fever is diarrhea. This symptom should not 
be confounded with ordinary diarrhea, which is the 
result of local disturbance. In all cases of suspected 
fever, whether accompanied by diarrhea or not, a co- 
pious enema should invariably be used. Full direc- 
tions for this treatment are found on page 97. 

The object in our medication and treatment should 
be to start nature in the work of elimination as soon 
as possible, and to carry this work forward until the 
cause is removed. In no case of suspected fever 
should a meat diet be allowed the patient. A total 
abstinence from all food for a day or two is of very 
great importance. Copious drinking of water, cold 
but not iced, should be prescribed. The use of fruits, 
either fresh or canned, is permissible, but these should 
be as free from sugar as possible. 

The question of diet for fever patients is a very im- 
portant one, as very much depends upon this portion 
of the treatment. Animal foods should be strictly in- 
terdicted. The food should consist wholly of nutri- 
tious gruels, made from oatmeal, graham, or barley, 
and should be strained. Ripe fruit of any kind can be 



108 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

partaken of freely if only the juice is swallowed, the 
pulp and seeds being carefully excluded. Milk can 
sometimes be partaken of to advantage, but should be 
boiled and combined with the gruels. While it is nec- 
essary that the patient should partake of nourishment, 
excessive feeding should be carefully avoided, and 
food should not be partaken of oftener than three or 
four times a day. The practice of feeding every hour 
or every half hour is injurious, unless the patient is so 
weak that only a spoonful or two can be taken at a 
time. Beef-tea should not be used, on account of its 
stimulating qualities, and above all, do not feed the 
patient with the dainties that are brought in by sym- 
pathizing friends. These may be accepted out of 
courtesy, but do not feed them to the patient. A 
small amount of toast made from whole-wheat or 
graham bread, softened with hot water and slightly 
salted, but without butter, may be given to the patient 
by way of variety. 

As the patient approaches convalescence, and na- 
ture seeks to regain her losses by an urgent demand 
for food, the supply may be gradually increased, but 
the intervals of feeding should not be lessened. Great 
care should be exercised in the amount and kind of 
food given. Very many lives are sacrificed through 
indiscretion in eating at this critical period. Do not 
allow the patient, under any consideration, to eat an 
excess of food, or to eat more frequently than three or 
four times a day. The food should be of the plainest 
description, but that which will nourish. Avoid meat 
and its products, and the use of anything which is 
fried or greasy. 



FEVERS. 109 

In the general treatment of fever, of whatever na- 
ture, the measures employed will need to be of much 
the same kind. The greatest danger is from the great 
increase of temperature. It is due to this, also, that 
the tissues are rapidly destroyed; and at the same 
time, the assimilative functions of the body are sus- 
pended, which accounts for the rapid loss of weight 
and strength. The high temperature also has a very 
depressing influence upon the heart and nervous sys- 
tem. It is very important that attention should be 
paid to the remedies which tend to lower the tempera- 
ture. What is termed high temperature is where the 
thermometer indicates I02 p and higher. It is not nec- 
essary that the attendant should feel alarmed or resort 
to heroic treatment when the temperature does not 
reach this point, as the temperature when below 102 
can usually be relieved by means of the sponge-bath 
(page 92) and the cool enema (page 97). Incases 
where the temperature runs high, any or all of the 
following treatments may be used : Wet-sheet pack 
(page 94), cool sponge-bath (page 92), cold com- 
presses to the abdomen and head (page 96), cold or 
cool enemas (page 97), and plentiful drinking of cold 
water. 

The drinking of cold water is very beneficial, and 
has considerable influence upon the heat of the body. 
Sometimes weak lemonade without sugar may be used 
instead. Should there be any distress occasioned by 
taking too much cold drink, it can be relieved by ap- 
plying a hot fomentation ( page 96) over the stomach. 
Sometimes the thermometer will indicate a rise of 
temperature internally when the surface of the body 



110 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

is cold. When this occurs, cold should not be applied 
to the body. Instead, use the alcoholic vapor-bath, 
applied in bed (page 90), or the hot-water bag, or hot 
fomentations to the abdomen, or the hot foot-bath. 

Cold should never be applied to the skin when there 
are any chilly sensations or when the surface is blue. 
Neither should cold be applied when the skin is in a 
state of perspiration. Cold should only be applied 
when the surface is dry and hot. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

TYPHOID FEVER. 

THIS fever is also known as nervous fever, and 
abdominal fever. It rarely attacks very young 
or very old people. The middle-aged of both sexes 
are the principal sufferers. This disease is not usually 
considered contagious, although several persons may 
be attacked in one locality or it may become epidemic. 
This disease is infectious, and is usually spread by the 
poison contained in the discharges from the patient's 
bowels. The infection, however, may be carried in 
other ways. It is generally conceded that the disease 
is produced by a specific germ, which is propagated in 
the intestines. If the discharges from the bowels are 
placed in a water-closet, cesspool, privy or ash-pit, or 
pass through the drains of houses, these germs per- 
meate the whole mass and become the means of dis- 
seminating the disease. By soakage from drains or 
other places which these discharges have affected, the 
water in wells has frequently become contaminated, 
thus rendering them directly the means of spreading 
the disease. 

Milk has also been known to be contaminated with 
typhoid-fever germs, and is a fruitful medium for con- 
veying the disease. Milk can become contaminated 



112 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

by washing the pans, or by diluting the milk, with 
water infected with the germs. It has also been de- 
termined that the disease may be carried to the milk 
by cows drinking infected water. It has even been 
demonstrated that the flesh of animals has produced 
typhoid fever when the animals themselves have suf- 
fered with the disease. Typhoid fever is more prev- 
alent in the rural districts than in our large cities, 
owing to neglect of sanitary conditions. The out- 
houses in rural districts are frequently neglected, and 
the contents allowed to accumulate year after year. 
Sometimes these communicate with the water supply, 
and sickness is the result, very frequently in the form 
of typhoid fever. Prevention is much better than cure, 
and any place about the premises which emits a foul 
odor should receive careful and prompt attention. 

Typhoid fever is clearly preventable, and in case of 
an outbreak in any family, the source of infection 
should be hunted out, and removed, if possible, and 
strict measures should be taken to prevent the in- 
fection of others. The means of prevention are 
boiling of the milk and the drinking water, and a care- 
ful avoidance of any source of contamination. Espe- 
cial care should be taken with the milk supply. 

Symptoms. — In the beginning, the one affected is 
aware only of mental and physical depression, some- 
times headache, and usually failure of appetite, and a 
careworn expression of countenance. There is a 
failure of the nervous energies, and as this continues, 
there are alternate sensations of heat or cold, while 
sometimes a distinct chill is manifested. Fever now 



TYPHOID FEVER. 113 

sets in, and the patient is compelled to take to his bed. 
As the disease progresses, the fever can readily be 
distinguished. The headache increases, there is loath- 
ing of food, and thirst, and the skin increases in heat 
one or two degrees in the evening. The abdomen 
becomes tender, particularly in the lower part of the 
right side. There is gas in the bowels, and the 
abdomen has a hollow, or drum-like, sound when 
rapped with the ends of the fingers. Offensive diar- 
rhea occurs, of a dark brown or yellow color, and an 
eruption occurs upon the abdomen of little small spots 
resembling the bites of an insect. 

From the second to the third week all the symptoms 
increase in intensity. The thermometer will indicate 
a temperature of 103 or more. There is extreme 
thirst, the diarrhea becomes more frequent, and the 
tongue and gums become coated with thick crusts. 
Frequently delirium and unconsciousness are mani- 
fested, the patient has great restlessness through the 
night, and the urine and stools may escape involun- 
tarily. Sometimes the patient will manifest perfect 
quiet and indifference to surroundings, or again will 
be exceedingly restless, with much mental agitation, 
throwing the hands about, removing the bedclothes, 
or leaving the bed when not able to stand upon the 
feet. The duration of the fever may be from a week 
or two to two or three months. Sometime complica- 
tions occur such as pneumonia, mumps, or hemorrhage 
of the bowels. 

There are other debilitating diseases that may have 
many of the symptoms of typhoid fever, and care 
8 



1 14 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

should be used to distinguish the difference. We 
have presented all of the marked characteristics of 
this malady through its various stages. 

The line of treatment indicated is to relieve the con- 
gestion of the surface, lower the temperature, over- 
come the brain symptoms, and relieve the inflammation 
of the bowels and diarrhea should they occur. In the 
very beginning, vigorous perspiration should be ex- 
cited, and the steam-bath ( page 87) should be given, 
together with the hot foot-bath, followed by the 
dripping-wet sheet ( page 94). A large warm enema 
(page 97) should be administered. For internal treat- 
ment, take remedy No. 1 : One tablet every two hours 
during the first twenty-four hours, or occasionally when 
temperature ranges above 102°; afterward, one tablet 
of No. 6 three times each day. During the stage of 
convalescence give tablet No. 5 three time each day. 

If there are indications of delirium or sleeplessness, 
these can be relieved by cold compresses to the head. 
These may be wrung out of ice-water with the folded 
towel (page 97), and wrapped about the head and over 
the eyes. The towel should be quite large, preferably 
a bath towel. Fold it lengthwise, about four thick- 
nesses ; place the center of it under the back of the 
head, and bring each end over the forehead, tucking it 
down tightly at the sides. These should be changed 
every three or four minutes, not allowing them to be- 
come warm. Continue this until the head becomes 
perfectly cool. A piece of rubber or a mackintosh 
should be placed on the pillow under the head to pre- 
vent wetting the pillow. If the temperature runs very 



TYPHOID FEVER. 115 

high, that is above ioo° or I02 Q , the cold compress 
to the head will be efficient in reducing the heat. The 
cold compress should also be applied to the bowels to 
reduce the fever, changing every four or five minutes. 
When there is pain or gas in the bowels, this may be 
relieved by a hot fomentation applied occasionally. 
The sponge-bath ( page 92) will be found an efficient 
method of controlling the fever. This, in connection 
with the cold compress to the head and bowels, and 
the cool enema (page 97), when pursued thoroughly 
and systematically from the start, can be relied upon 
to control the temperature. 

The treatment outlined in the chapter on fevers is 
particularly applicable to typhoid-fever patients, and 
the diet outlined should be strictly adhered to. The 
giving of stimulants, if you value the life of your 
patient, should be prohibited. To give wine, whiskey, 
or beef tea is to destroy your patient. 

In administering treatment for the reduction of 
temperature after the fever has become well estab- 
lished, the effort should never be made to bring the 
temperature below 99° to ioo°. In case of much 
weakness or debility on the part of the patient, the 
circulation might be reduced below the desirable 
point. Should such a contingency arise, the action of 
the heart can be accelerated by placing a hot fomen- 
tation over it, or by applying hot fomentations to the 
spine. During the critical period of the disease, the 
temperature should be carefully and frequently noted, 
and should the pulse become weak and attenuated, 
fomentations should be applied as above, together 



Il6 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

with the hot-water bag between the knees, and dry, 
hot blanket to the feet. 

Frequently the patient will be troubled with defect- 
ive circulation, the hands and feet becoming cold. 
This can easily be relieved by the use of the hot- 
water bag. 

The disinfection of everything connected with the 
typhoid patient should be very thorough. The lives 
of others may be endangered by carelessness in this 
important matter. As we have pointed out, contami- 
nated drinking water is one of the usual methods by 
which the poison of typhoid fever is conveyed. The 
most certain way of destroying this contamination is 
to destroy the poison contained in the discharges as 
they are passed by the patient. 

A very effective disinfecting fluid may be made by 
using one half dram of corrosive sublimate to one gal- 
lon of water. This should be tinged strongly with 
laundry bluing, that it may be readily perceptible by 
its color, and it also should be very carefully labeled 
" Poison," as this is a very poisonous mixture. Care 
should be taken to keep it out of the way of careless 
servants and of children. It should be kept in glass 
or stoneware jugs as it is very corroding to metals. 
Another disinfectant can be made by using two pounds 
of blue vitriol to one gallon of water. This, however 
is not as efficient a germicide as the former. 

Disinfectants should be placed in the chamber uten- 
sil before use; and immediately after being used, more 
disinfectants should be added. The use of disinfect- 
ants should be frequent and abundant. The expecto- 



TYPHOID FEVER. WJ 

rations of the patient ought also to be received in 
some vessel containing a disinfectant. 

All sheets, towels, etc., which have been used by 
the patient should be thoroughly disinfected, and aft- 
erward washed. In all infectious diseases it would 
be well for the patient to use rags or old pieces of 
linen instead of pocket-handkerchiefs. These rags 
could afterward be burned. In case of soiling the 
bed or body linen, the soiled spots should be sprink- 
led with some of the disinfecting fluid. The attend- 
ants should wash their hands freely in disinfecting 
water after performing any duty about a patient. 

Do not place the discharges, if it can be avoided, 
in the privy or water-closet, but disinfect them thor- 
oughly, and bury them deeply in the ground, using 
caution that they are not near any drain, well, or wa- 
ter-course. Under no circumstances should they be 
thrown on any ash pile, dunghill, or into any cesspool. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

MALARIA. 

IT is proved by the experience of all ages that there 
is an intimate connection between marshy dis- 
tricts and certain diseases, especially the various forms 
of intermittent and remittent fever. There is little 
doubt but that the cause of these disorders is a minute 
animal parasite, termed the malarial germ. The 
method of access of this germ to the human body is 
undoubtedly through the stomach, and is doubtless, in 
the majority of cases, received by impure drinking 
water or water inhabited by these malarial parasites. 
These minute organisms permeate the blood, and de- 
stroy the red blood-corpuscles. The effect of this 
upon the system is very serious, although a person by 
long exposure may become inured to these conditions 
without manifesting the active symptoms. In these 
cases chronic dyspepsia, enlargement of the liver and 
spleen, and sallow complexion are the predominating 
characteristics. One of the common forms of mani- 
festation of malarial disease is, — 

Intermittent Fever — Chills and Fever — Ague — 
Dumb Ague. 

This fever is typical of all malarial fevers. It is 
divided into three stages; chill, fever, and sweat. The 
[118J 



CHILLS AND FEVER. 119 

chill is decided and irresistible. The skin becomes 
bluish or purplish, and is shrunken, having the appear- 
ance commonly known as "goose-flesh." The body 
shakes ; the teeth chatter ; there is restlessness, with 
headache, thirst, and loss of appetite. Frequently the 
shaking will be so great as to impart a trembling 
motion to the bed or lounge on which the person lies. 
This continues from half an hour to an hour. As 
it ceases, the feverish stage appears, the surface be- 
comes heated, the headache intensified, the pulse more 
rapid, the throat and tongue dry, the urine scanty, and 
bowels constipated. This period may last for several 
hours, and its duration and the intensity of the bodily 
heat, as indicated by the thermometer, are evidence of 
the severity of the attack. When the fever abates, 
which it does of its own accord, the secretions are 
unlocked, and the sweating stage commences. Moist- 
ure appears first upon the face and afterward upon 
the body, occasionally being very profuse. These 
three stages of the disease constitute a paroxysm, and 
unless interrupted by medication and treatment, the 
paroxysms will follow each other with great reg- 
ularity. There is usually freedom from all symptoms 
of the disease between the paroxysms. 

These phenomena may occur twice in one day, 
daily, or every other day ; the last two forms being 
the most common. Sometimes paroxysms occur on 
the first and third, first and fourth, first and fifth day, 
and so on. 

Intermittent fever is susceptible of a great variety 
of manifestations. Thus, we may have the chill with- 



120 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

out any marked fever or sweat, the regularly appear- 
ing fever without any marked chill, or fever and sweat 
with only the slightest chilly sensation. This latter is 
popularly known as dumb ague. Still it will be noticed 
that, with some regularity, some signs of the stages 
appear daily, or more commonly every other day. In 
malarious districts this regularity of approach is not 
only a mark of fever but of other diseases, particularly 
those dependent upon congestion. Pernicious fever, 
or congestive chills, is a malignant form of this disease. 

The treatment indicated is such as to relieve at once 
the particular stage in which the patient is suffering, 
to stop the fever, break up the periodicity, to relieve 
congestion of the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and to 
eliminate from the system the malarial poison that is 
in the blood. If the paroxysm has commenced, mani- 
fested by chills, the patient should be placed in bed, 
warmly covered, the hot-water bag with a tablespoon- 
ful of alcohol poured upon it, placed between the 
knees, and bottles of hot water placed at the feet and 
sides. Careful watch should be kept upon the patient 
that this treatment does not continue too long, other- 
wise it may greatly increase the fever. When the 
sensations of chilliness begin to abate, the covering 
should be diminished, the bottles and hot-water bag 
should be gradually removed, care being taken not to 
expose the patient to the air, otherwise there may be 
a recurrence of the chill. 

When the chilly sensations have ceased, and the 
fever is sensibly felt, tepid sponge-baths (page 92) 



CHILLS AND FEVER. 121 

should be used every few minutes. The cold com- 
press (page 96) should be applied to the head. Cau- 
tion should be used not to cool the patient too rapidly, 
as there may be a recurrence of the chill. When the 
temperature lowers, so that there is any indication 
of perspiration, the sponge-bath and cold compress, 
should be discontinued. The patient should be wiped 
with dry cloths during the progress of the sweating 
stage, and at its termination a tepid sponge-bath 
should be used. 

During the cold stage of the paroxysm, hot drinks 
may be used, such as hot lemonade without sugar, but 
avoid the use of ginger tea, or anything of this char- 
acter. During the hot stage cold water or cold lem- 
onade may be used. In case of much nausea it is well 
to empty the stomach by using a copious warm-water 
emetic. 

To prevent a recurrence of the paroxysms, and to 
eliminate the disease, the following treatment is rec- 
ommended ; In the afternoon the patient should take 
a wet-sheet pack (page 94), with the sheet wrung out 
of hot water, be covered plentifully with blankets, and 
allowed to sweat about an hour. This should be fol- 
lowed by the dripping sheet (page 94), after which a 
plentiful warm enema (page 97) should be adminis- 
tered, the patient placed in bed, and hot fomentations 
applied to the abdomen. This should be continued 
for about one hour. During the next forenoon the 
steam-bath ( page 87) should be taken, after which the 
dripping sheet should be used, and a hot fomentation 



122 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

placed over the liver and abdomen. This should be 
followed in the evening with the same treatment as 
before, with the exception of the enema, unless the 
patient is constipated. 

As this disease is due to impurities in the system, 
its cure will depend upon the elimination of the poison 
through the skin. The treatment here outlined should 
be continued until the color of the skin is restored, and 
the brown coating disappears from the tongue. The 
white of the eye usually has a peculiar dingy color in 
malarial patients. This will disappear as the poison 
is removed. 

The diet must receive careful attention, and should 
be very plain and simple. The use of meat, fried 
foods, grease, and pastry should not be indulged in. 
Cooked fruit of almost any kind, with little or no 
sugar, together with oatmeal gruel, preparations of 
barley or rye, and graham or whole-wheat toast, 
should be the diet. This ought to be continued un- 
til all symptoms of the disease disappear. 

Where the system becomes thoroughly saturated 
with malarial poison, oftentimes the only permanent 
cure is removing to a locality free from these disease- 
producing germs. There is increased liability to at- 
tack after the first infection. Persons who are obliged 
to live where malaria is prevalent should be very cau- 
tious about their diet; and as the disease is believed 
to be received mainly by the drinking water, this 
should be boiled and filtered. The use of meat, es- 
pecially pork, should be avoided, and rich sauces and 
pastry should not be indulged in. 



BILIOUS FEVER. 123 

Remittent or Malarial Fever — Bilious Fever. — Like 
the previously described fever, this also has three 
stages. While its periodicity is not so marked as the 
former, yet there is regularity in the increase and de- 
crease of the fever. It begins with a slight chill, at- 
tended with sickness at the stomach, headache, pain 
in the limbs, some thirst, and commonly nausea and 
vomiting. These symptoms are soon followed by 
high fever, the pulse rising rapidly, the temperature 
increasing, with restlessness, increased headache, and 
pain in the back and limbs, nausea or vomiting, and 
disgust for food. The urine is scanty and highly col- 
ored, and the bowels closed. This fever runs its course 
in from six to ten hours, and then gradually subsides. 
With this remission all the symptoms decrease in se- 
verity. The skin may become moist, and the patient 
may sleep. The day following the attack, or more 
commonly the second day, the pulse is again acceler- 
ated, the fever increased, and all the symptoms ag- 
gravated, to be again followed by abatement. In this 
fever there is no interval of complete freedom, as in 
the preceding variety. There is constantly present 
some ache or fulness of the head, some coating of the 
tongue, some distress of the stomach; and the biliary 
disorder commonly shows itself in tinging the eyeball 
and the skin yellow, to a greater or less extent. The 
chill seldom reappears, the first being the only one. 

There may be a complication in remittent fever with 
typhoid fever, constituting what is known as typho- 
malarial fever. This is really a union of both typhoid 
and malarial fevers, and is a much more serious dis- 



124 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

ease than either of the above mentioned. It can be 
distinguished by a mixture of the symptoms that are 
peculiar to each variety. 

The treatment of this disease should consist first of 
a copious enema ( page 97) to relieve the bowels ; and 
if there is nausea present, a warm-water emetic should 
be employed to relieve the stomach. During the 
fever stage, the wet-sheet pack ( page 94) should be 
used for the reduction of the temperature, followed by 
the sponge-bath (page 92). During the remission of 
the fever, the steam-bath ( page 87) should be used, 
sweating the patient profusely. During its applica- 
tion, should there be headache, a cold compress (page 
96) should be applied to the head, and the patient 
should be allowed to drink freely of cold water. Dur- 
ing the progress of the fever, the tepid sponge-bath 
should be used frequently, together with tepid com- 
presses applied to the abdomen and cold compresses 
to the head (page 96). These should be changed fre- 
quently. If the fever is high, cold enemas should be 
employed (page 97). 

During the fever, use remedy No. 1 as follows : One 
tablet every two hours. During the intermission rem- 
edy No. 10 should be used, giving one tablet every 
three hours. 

The course of diet to be followed is essentially the 
same as that described in the treatment for intermit- 
tent fever. 



CHAPTER XV. 

TYPHUS FEVER. 

UNTIL comparatively a few years ago, there was 
but little distinction recognized between typhus 
and typhoid fevers. While there is a great deal of 
similarity between these two forms of fever, yet ty- 
phus fever is quite distinct in its characteristics. 

Typhus fever sometimes commences to show itself 
by certain premonitory symptoms due to the depress- 
ing action of the poison upon the nervous system be- 
fore it begins to affect the circulation. The patient in 
these cases is listless, unwilling to make any bodily 
or mental exertion, loses appetite, feels wandering 
pains over the body, is drowsy during the day, and 
restless at night. More commonly, however, the dis- 
ease begins suddenly, a shivering fit being the first 
symptom. Severe headache, especially across the 
forehead, is another common early symptom. The 
muscular power becomes rapidly enfeebled, and the 
patient very soon feels compelled to take to his bed. 
In the first week, in addition to the symptoms already 
noticed, the heat of the skin becomes increased, and 
the pulse, which at first is hard, becomes soft and 
weak, and more frequent than in health, often now ris- 
ing to 120, and in severe cases reaching 130 or 140 
beats in a minute. 

[125] 



126 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

There is considerable thirst ; the tongue becomes 
clammy and dry, and its center is covered with a 
white fur, which is often divided by a straight brown 
streak, which is the first step in the blackness of that 
organ which afterward ensues. The intelligence is 
blunted, but on being sharply spoken to, the patient 
still gives rational answers. As the week advances, 
the strength is so reduced that he lies on his back, 
and is unable to turn about in bed without assistance. 
The pulse becomes more frequent, weaker, and the 
tongue grows darker and browner. The teeth and 
lips are covered with a dark secretion, and the weak- 
ness is now so extreme that the patient sinks down in 
his bed. His voice becomes very feeble, and in bad 
cases he cannot swallow nor can he put out his tongue. 

Usually, during the second week, delirium will re- 
place the headache, and about the ninth day will 
appear the characteristic eruption. This may show 
itself as early as the fifth day, but more commonly 
appears at the beginning of the second week, some- 
times a little later. The characteristics of the rash 
vary with its age. At the beginning it consists of 
very slightly elevated spots of a dusky pink color. In 
two or three days these spots undergo a marked 
change. They no longer remain elevated above the 
surrounding skin. They become darker and more 
dingy in color. From this stage they usually grow 
paler, passing into reddish brown stains, and finally 
disappear. These spots are generally very numerous, 
close together, and occasionally almost covering the 
skin. The mulberry rash of typhus fever is usually 



TYPHUS FEVER. 12/ 

situated on the trunk and extremities, differing from 
the rose spots of typhoid fever, which appear upon the 
abdomen. 

The treatment for typhus fever is essentially the 
same as for typhoid fever. As there are greater de- 
rangements with the brain, that is, more tendency to 
stupor and delirium, special attention should be given 
to the application of cold compresses to the head. As 
this fever is more sudden in its attack, with more 
pronounced symptoms in the beginning than typhoid, 
the treatment should be more vigorous. The cool 
sponge-bath ( page 92) and the cold enema ( page 97) 
will be of special benefit. Internally use remedy 
No. 6 as follows : One tablet every three hours. When 
patient begins to convalesce, give one tablet of No. 5 
three times each day. The same attention to diet, 
ventilation, etc., should be used as has been previously 
directed for typhoid fever. This disease being very 
contagious, disinfectants should be used during the 
progress of the disease, and special care should be 
taken that the disease is not communicated to other 
members of the family. After recovery, the room in 
which the patient has been sick, and everything used 
about the patient, should be disinfected in a most 
thorough manner. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

MEASLES. 

MEASLES is an eruptive fever. It is communi- 
cable from person to person, and seldom occurs 
more than once in the same individual. It attacks all 
ages, principally the young. On account of its con- 
tagious character, the invalid should be carefully iso- 
lated. The time that elapses between the exposure 
to the contagion and the first appearance of the fever- 
ish symptoms which precede the eruption, is usually 
about a fortnight. For a few days prior to the begin- 
ning of fever, there is noticeable a feeling of languor, 
uneasiness, oppression, and want of appetite. The 
most noticeable symptom, however, is that of a cold 
with a discharge from the nose, as in acute catarrh, 
and occasionally watery congestion of the eyes. 

The eruption which is characteristic of the disease, 
usually appears upon the fourth day from the com- 
mencement of the fever symptoms and the catarrh. It 
is a rash consisting, at first, of minute red spots which 
soon run together and form crescent-shaped patches, 
with clear skin between. They do not fill with fluid 
as in smallpox. The rash is two or three days in 
coming out, beginning on the face and neck, and 
gradually traveling downward. The rash fades in the 
[128] 



MEASLES. 129 

same order as it occurs; and as it begins to decline 
three days after its appearance, its whole duration is 
about a week. The red color gives way to a some- 
what yellowish tint, and the cuticle crumbles away 
in a fine, bran-like powder, the process being often 
attended with considerable itching. The catarrh is 
characteristic; there is a discharge accompanied with 
sneezing, which may linger after the disease has 
passed away, sometimes developing into bronchitis 
or consumption. 

There are two important points in which it differs 
from smallpox, with which in its earliest stage it may 
be confounded; these are, (1) that the fever does not 
cease or even abate when the eruption appears, but 
sometimes increases in intensity; and (2) that the dis- 
ease is not more severe or more dangerous because 
the eruption is plentiful or early. The character of 
the eruption after the first day will serve to remove 
all doubt regarding these two diseases; and the com- 
parative prevalence of either disease in the neighbor- 
hood will materially assist in forming the diagnosis. 
It is distinguished from scarlet fever or scarlatina, (1) 
by the presence at the outset of catarrhal symptoms, 
which do not occur in the latter disease, at any rate 
prior to the eruption; (2) by the absence of the throat 
affection, which always accompanies well-marked ca- 
ses of scarlet fever; (3) by the character of the rash. 
In measles it presents somewhat the tint of the rasp- 
berry, and in scarlet fever that of a boiled lobster; in 
measles it appears jn crescent-shaped patches, and in 
scarlet fever it is universally diffused; in measles the 

9 



130 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

rash usually appears on the fourth day, and in scarlet 
fever on the second day of the disease. 

The treatment indicated for this disease, is an im- 
portant one, namely, to bring out the eruption. The 
alcoholic vapor-bath, given in bed (page 90), is usu- 
ally all that is necessary in the beginning. Should the 
eruption recede after it has once appeared, a warm 
blanket pack (page 94) should be administered. In 
mild cases little treatment is required. Good nursing 
is about all that is really necessary. Attention should 
be paid to the diet to see that it is plain, not very 
plenteous, and unstimulating. 

Should the fever run high, it should be reduced by 
the sponge-bath ( page 92), cool compresses to the head 
and abdomen, and also the cool enema (page 97). 

It is well in the beginning to evacuate the bowels 
with a plentiful tepid enema ( page 97). In mild cases 
internal remedies will not be needed. Should the 
disease become more pronounced, use remedy No. 2, 
one tablet every three hours. 

Frequently, at the termination of measles, an active 
diarrhea may take place. This need give no alarm, 
and should not be checked unless it becomes trouble- 
some, in which event use a cool enema two or three 
times a day. 

At the termination of the disease, during the scal- 
ing process, the irritation of the skin may be relieved 
by oiling the surface two or three times a day with 
vaseline, fresh butter, or sweet oil. No apprehensions 
need be felt that the eruption will be driven in by the 
application of cold water to the surface during the 



MEASLES. IJI 

prevalence of the fever. After recovery, the room 
and everything that has been used about the patient 
should be thoroughly disinfected. 

Black, or Putrid, Measles. — This disease differs 
from the other only in its intensity and the darker 
color of the eruption. There is more prostration of 
the strength of the system, more headache, and more 
active fever. This depression of the nervous system 
is because of deficient power or vitality to throw off 
the disease and bring about reaction. The stomach 
and bowels become congested, and there is liability to 
a hemorrhage from their lining membranes. Compli- 
cations sometimes occur, such as croup, pneumonia, 
bronchitis, and inflammation of the bowels. The treat- 
ment for this form of disease is the same as the other, 
but should be more thorough. The internal remedies 
should be No. 6, one tablet every two hours; and when 
the patient begins to convalesce, one tablet of No. 5 
three times a day. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

SCARLET FEVER. 

THIS disease is also called scarlatina, and in some 
parts of the country canker-rash. It is an erup- 
tive fever, infectious, contagious, and sometimes epi- 
demic. It is remarkable for its easy propagation, and 
special precautions are necessary to limit its ravages. 
Infection is contained in all discharges from the body 
during the progress of the disease and recovery, and 
more especially from the skin during convalesence, 
when the dry scales are being shed. These latter are 
scattered through the air, and become attached to 
articles of furniture, bedding, and clothing. By inhal- 
ing this infected air, the disease may be readily con- 
veyed to another, and may also be carried by those 
who are not themselves suffering from it. While 
measles may attack a second and even a third time, 
persons have rarely been known to have a second 
attack of scarlet fever. The young are principally 
affected, and seldom does a case occur after the age of 
twenty or under that of two years. 

The disease is generally milder the older the pa- 
tient. The largest number and most malignant cases 
occur between the second and seventh years, and a 
much smaller number after the eighth year. Scarla- 

[132] 



SCARLET FEVER. I$3 

tina prevails at all seasons, but a close air and foggy 
atmosphere seem favorable to its dissemination. The 
period between exposure and the appearance of the 
fever varies from a single day to several weeks. The 
disease in any form is the dread both of the physician, 
and family or friends. An attack slight at the com- 
mencement, may terminate speedily and violently in 
dissolution. On the contrary, a violent beginning may 
develop milder symptoms during its progress, and re- 
covery be complete. This disease is followed by more 
organic diseases than measles. Recovery is much 
slower and attended with greater hazard because a re- 
lapse from sudden cold or other cause may produce 
death even after the patient is supposed to be entirely 
free from any symptoms or traces of the disease. 

It is divided into three varieties. Scarlatina Sim- 
plex is the mildest form, and is ushered in with a chill, 
followed by rapid pulse, hot skin, loss of appetite, sore- 
ness of throat, and difficult swallowing. The eruption 
appears in about twenty-four hours; first upon the 
neck and chest; but in a short time the rash is equally 
diffused over the whole skin — scarlet in color, present- 
ing an appearance like that of a boiled lobster. Some 
parts are deeper colored than others, as the neck, 
outer surface of the lower extremities, and hands. The 
rash consists of an infinite number of small red points 
situated upon a rose-colored base, with here and there 
a small pimple containing a colorless fluid. The whole 
surface burns and itches. The throat is sore and 
swollen, but inflammation does not reach to the extent 
noticed in the second variety of this disease. On the 



134 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

fifth or sixth day after the appearance of the eruption, 
it commences to fade, with considerable abatement of 
the fever. The appetite speedily returns, and the 
patient soon feels well. 

Scarlatina Anginosa. — The symptoms in this form 
of disease are more violent than in the preceding. 
Vomiting and even convulsions may occur at the out- 
set. The tongue, instead of being covered with raised 
red points, has a grayish coat, with interspersed red 
patches. All the violent effects of the blood-poison 
seem to center in the throat. The neck appears stiff 
on the next day ; there is hoarseness, and pain in 
swallowing; the tonsils and palate are red, swollen, 
and covered with false membrane. Suppurating ulcers 
are noticed in the throat. The throat and tongue are 
parched, the thirst great, and the breath offensive. 
With the fading of the eruption, by the fifth or sixth 
day, the fever and inflammation of the throat com- 
mence to abate, although the throat may remain sore 
for some time after the disappearance of the rash. 

Scarlatina Maligna. — This disease differs from the 
preceding only in the symptoms being more aggra- 
vated. The fever assumes a malignant or typhoid 
condition, with restlessness and a low muttering delir- 
ium. The tongue is dry, brown, tender, and chapped ; 
the lips, teeth, and gums are covered with sores. 
The mucous and salivary glands in the mouth and 
throat are much enlarged and inflamed, causing con- 
striction and obstruction to the passage of food and 
sometimes of air. The eruption is irregular in appear- 
ance, dusky, or of a dark, livid, reddish hue. There is 



SCARLET FEVER. 135 

great prostration of strength and the tendency to, if 
not the development of, insensibility and other brain 
complications. 

In addition to the eruption and sore throat, other 
characteristics of scarlatina are the very rapid pulse, 
and the exceeding high temperature. The pulse will 
often be as high as one hundred and forty or more in 
a minute. The temperature ranges higher than in 
any of the eruptive fevers, often reaching i io°, and 
continuing at this height in most cases until the erup- 
tion disappears. 

Scarlet fever is distinguished from measles and 
smallpox by having an eruption peculiar to itself, 
which spreads rapidly ; by the reddened points upon 
the tongue, the frequent pulse, high temperature, and 
sore throat. In measles there is a constant catarrh, 
and inflammation of the eyes. In smallpox there is a 
great pain in the back ; the eruption first appears upon 
the forehead, which soon develops pustules. 

With children it will be noticed almost invariably 
that for several days before being taken down with 
scarlet fever, there will be more or less disturbance and 
irritation of the digestive organs. If there is scarlet 
fever in the neighborhood, this early symptom ought 
to be watched for, and on its appearance the enema 
and steam-bath ( page 87) should be resorted to. At 
such times too much caution cannot be used. 

The treatment indicated for scarlet fever is such as 
to bring out the eruption, moderate the fever, neutral- 
ize and eliminate the poison, relieve the throat, and 
sustain the strength. 



136 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

The treatment for scarlet fever is essentially the 
same as that recommended for measles; but owing to 
the gravity of this disease, it should be carefully 
watched, and no neglect should be allowed in employ- 
ing prompt treatment. Where the disease is mani- 
fested in a mild form, good nursing and simple diet, 
with thorough ventilation and the use of the sponge- 
baths and cool compresses, are usually all that will be 
required. Particular attention should be given to the 
condition of the eruption. If this does not make a 
ready appearance, warm drinks should be given and 
vapor-bath given in bed (page 90). As other compli- 
cations are apt to occur, the attendant should keep 
close watch of the patient. The throat is usually 
more or less affected, sometimes with strong diphthe- 
ritic indications. When these symptoms occur, ice 
compresses should be applied to the throat, and small 
pieces of ice held in the mouth. The medication for 
the throat difficulties should be a gargle or spray, used 
every two hours, of equal parts of listerine and water. 
If throat and tonsils are badly swollen, use solution of 
alum with the atomizer, every few hours. 

The tendency in this disease is for the fever to as- 
sume a very high temperature. This is best controlled 
by means of the sponge-bath (page 92), cold com- 
presses (page 96), and the cold enema (page 97). 
These cold applications will not have the effect of in- 
terfering with the eruption. Occasionally there will 
be a retention of the urine. This should receive care- 
ful attention, as its neglect may lead to serious conse- 
quences. It may happen that the bedding is found to be 



SCARLET FEVER. 1 37 

wet with urine, and the mother or nurse infers that the 
bladder has been evacuated. A mistake may be made 
here, and the real condition can only be discovered 
by applying pressure upon the bladder just over the 
pubic bone. It may be greatly distended, and the urine 
that has escaped be simply an overflow. If by manip- 
ulation it is discovered to be large and firm, a hot 
fomentation should be applied over the organ, and re- 
newed as often as necessary, until the confined fluid 
wholly or partially escapes. 

The use of meat should be wholly discontinued dur- 
ing the progress of this disease, and for some time 
after, until all indications of kidney trouble are past. 
The food should be mainly of gruels, with fruits, and 
toast without butter, made from whole-wheat or gra- 
ham flour. This should be moistened with water. 
The free drinking of -water is recommended, which can 
be varied with weak lemonade containing little or no 
sugar. 

Internal remedies used in this complaint should be 
Remedy No. i, one tablet every two hours while fever 
is high. If patient is weak, give remedy No. 10, one 
tablet every four hours. 

Scarlet fever is very infectious. A very mild case 
may give rise to a very severe one. No child should 
be permitted to go to school from an infected house, 
and the intermingling of such with healthy children, 
in play or otherwise, should be prevented. 

When a person has had the disease, he should not 
be permitted to mix with others until he has perfectly 
recovered, and has had his clothes thoroughly disin- 



138 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

fected; and not even then without the permission of 
his medical attendant. Nor is it advisable that any 
one who has had the slightest communication with a 
person suffering from the disease should go to any 
church, meeting, or public gathering of any descrip- 
tion. Neglect of these precautions is a prolific cause 
of the spread of this disease. 

Attendants on persons suffering from scarlet fever 
should be chosen, if possible, from those who have al- 
ready had the disease. It is believed that the disper- 
sion of contagious dust from the patient's skin is 
impeded by keeping his entire body ( including limbs, 
head, and face) constantly anointed with vaseline or 
fresh butter. When the patient's convalescence is com- 
plete, the final disinfection of his skin should.be ef- 
fected by warm baths, with abundant soap of a quality 
that will noN irritate the skin, taken on three or four 
successive days, till no trace of roughness of the skin 
remains. After this process, and with clean clothes, 
he may be deemed again safe for association; but pre- 
vious to this, however slight may have been the at- 
tack, he ought always to be regarded as dangerous to 
persons susceptible to scarlet fever. 

The methods of disinfection recommended for ty- 
phoid fever should be adopted for this disease. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

SMALLPOX. 

THIS is one of the most formidable of febrile dis- 
eases. All cases of regular smallpox are divisi- 
ble into three stages; viz., (i) the initial or eruptive 
fever; (2) the progress and maturation of the eruption; 
and (3) the decline. The first stage begins with chill, 
or chilliness followed by heat and dryness of the skin, 
a quickened pulse, furred tongue, loss of appetite, pain 
in the pit of the stomach, with nausea, vomiting, head- 
ache, and often pains in the back and limbs. The 
violence of the pains in the back, and the obstinacy of 
the vomiting are frequently very well marked and 
characteristic symptoms. In children the disease is 
often ushered in by convulsions; while delirium some- 
times attends its outset in adults. On the third day 
minute red specks begin to come out, first on the face, 
then on the neck and wrists, and on the trunk of the 
body, and lastly on the lower extremities. The fever 
usually begins to subside as soon as the eruption ap- 
pears, and by the beginning of the fifth day, when the 
eruption is generally completed, the fever has en- 
tirely disappeared. The second stage commences 
when the eruption is fully out. 

Upon the second or third day of the eruption, a lit- 
tle clear lymph is seen in each pimple which has in- 

[139] 



140 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

creased considerably in size since its first appearance, 
and which is thus converted into a vesicle. The vesi- 
cles gradually increase in breadth and become con- 
verted into pustules, which are at first depressed in 
the center, but by the fifth day of the eruption become 
turgid and hemispherical. The suppuration on the 
face is complete by about the eighth day from the 
commencement of the fever, and the same process 
rapidly follows in the other parts of the body. The 
pustules then break, and scales, or crusts, form over 
them, which usually fall off after four or five days' ex- 
istence, The number of pustules in any special case, 
and the severity of the disease stand in a direct ratio 
to each other. The progress of the pustules is usually 
accompanied with swelling of the skin of the face, 
with a painful sensation of heat and tension. The 
scalp is often swollen, soreness of the mouth and sali- 
vation usually supervene, and the patient exhales a 
peculiar and disagreeable odor. 

About the eighth or ninth day of the disease, a 
recurrence of the fever, known as the "fever of matura- 
tion," sets in, with varying degree of intensity, accord- 
ing to the number and arrangement of the pustules. 
When the pustules are numerous, they run together; 
when they are few, they keep separate. Hence the 
division of smallpox into the two great varieties of 
distinct and confluent. This division is of the highest 
importance, because the distinct form of the disease, 
in which the pustules are isolated, is scarcely ever 
dangerous; while the confluent form, in which they 
coalesce, is never free from danger. 



SMALLPOX. 141 

The third, or declining stage, is in the distinct vari- 
ety, little more than a period of convalescence. About 
the eleventh or twelfth day, the pustules on the face 
become brown and dry at the top, or some of them 
break, and the fluid that oozes out solidifies into a 
yellowish crust, and from this time the process of des- 
iccation goes on. The swelling of the face subsides, 
and at last only dry scabs remain, which gradually fall 
off about the fourteenth day. It is not till three or 
four days after the scabs are formed on the face that 
the same process is completed over the whole body. 
The scabs are usually completely gone by the twenty- 
first day, leaving behind them blotches of a reddish 
brown color, which sometimes continue for some 
months before they quite disappear; and some of the 
pustules, by the ulceration of the true skin, leave pits, 
especially on the face, which remain permanently. 

The period of scabbing is accompanied by various 
symptoms of improvement; the tongue becomes clean, 
the appetite returns, and by the time the scabs have 
fallen off, the patient may be regarded as restored to 
health; so that the entire course of a case of distinct 
or discrete smallpox occupies about three weeks. In 
the confluent form of the disease, the eruptive fever is 
more violent, the pain in the back is more severe, and 
the sickness more obstinate. The eruption comes out 
earlier and less regularly than in the distinct variety, 
which we selected for description as representing the 
more natural course of the disease. Moreover the pus- 
tules do not fill so completely, nor are they of the 
normal yellow, purulent hue; being whitish, brown or 



142 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

even purple. But the most important difference be- 
tween the two forms is in the secondary fever, which 
sets in when the pustules are mature. This fever, 
which is but slight in distinct smallpox, is usually in- 
tense and highly dangerous in the confluent form; 
and it is at this period of the disease that death most 
commonly occurs. The eighth day of the eruption is 
the most perilous day, and the second week the most 
perilous week. 

The above are the essential symptoms of smallpox, 
both in the distinct and confluent forms. This disease 
is, however, often accompanied by other symptoms, 
which we have merely space to name; such as sore 
throat (which often depends upon pustules situated 
there), salivation, and (in the confluent form, during 
the secondary fever) erysipelas inflammations, leading 
to the formation of abscesses, glandular swellings, 
sloughing sores on the lower portion of the back, etc. 

Although in the majority of cases vaccination affords 
the fullest protection against smallpox, it not very in- 
frequently happens that vaccinated persons, when ex- 
posed to the contagion of smallpox, get the disease in 
a modified form, very much milder than the natural 
disease. This modified smallpox is called varioloid. 
Varioloid assumes a variety of forms. There is every 
shade between the slightest symptoms, scarcely hav- 
ing an affinity with smallpox, and the nearest possible 
approach to the regular disease. In whatever form 
varioloid appears, it lacks the peculiar odor of small- 
pox, and secondary fever is very rare. The constitu- 
tional disturbance which, for the first week, may have 
been as severe as in the true disease, usually subsides 



SMALLPOX. 143 

entirely when the eruption has reached its height; and 
the patient is convalescent at the period when, if he 
had not been vaccinated, he would have been in the 
greatest danger. Vaccination, when performed, should 
be done with pure bovine virus, never under any cir- 
cumstances using that from the human subject. 

It is impossible to break up or avert this disease 
when it becomes established; but if our treatments 
and remedies are faithfully used, its severity will 
be greatly modified, and the danger correspondingly 
lessened. 

The method to be pursued is such as will develop 
the eruption, relieve the brain disturbance, eliminate 
the poison, reduce the fever, support the system, and 
prevent pitting of the face. 

At the outset, the bowels should be emptied by 
means of a copious enema (page 97); the full, hot bath 
(page 8?) should next be administered for from thirty 
to forty-five minutes. Should the conveniencies for 
administering the full bath not be at hand, the steam- 
bath (page 87) should be employed for thirty minutes, 
if the condition of the patient is such as to stand it 
for this length of time; the head should be kept cool 
by the cold compress. 

If there is any symptom of delirium or stupor, the 
pouring-head bath ( page 93) should be employed, or 
ice compresses used instead. The patient ought to be 
kept very quiet; and in order to disturb him as little 
as possible, the cold compress should be used for the 
reduction of the temperature. The compress should be 
made very large, and changed very frequently, as it 
may become warm. The surface of the patient ought 



144 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

to be kept as nearly as possible at the natural heat 
(or colder), which prevents the disease from striking 
in. The patient may drink all the cold water desired, 
which can be varied with three or four glasses of un- 
sweetened lemonade during the day. The diet should 
consist of graham or oatmeal gruel with the juice of 
ripe fruits, carefully excluding the seeds and pulp. 

For medication use remedy No. 2, as follows: When 
there is high fever, give one tablet every two hours; 
if patient is weak and exhausted, give in addition one 
tablet of No. 5 every four hours. The above treat- 
ment will not only alleviate the severity of the disease, 
but will shorten its duration fully one half. 

Heat and sunlight will increase the irritation and 
itching sensations, therefore the room should be par- 
tially darkened, and kept at a temperature of from 6o° 
to 65 °. By all means have plenty of fresh air night 
and day, as good ventilation is very important. 

The irritation of the skin will be greatly relieved by 
anointing the body once or twice a day with vaseline 
or sweet oil; and when the crusts begin to loosen, the 
body should be sponged with tepid water in which a 
little soda has been dissolved. 

To prevent pitting, take equal parts of glycerine 
and collodion and a few drops of carbolic acid, and 
with this paint the whole surface of face and hands. 

As this disease is highly contagious and infectious, 
the greatest caution should be observed that others do 
not become exposed to its influence, the directions 
given for disinfection in the articles on Typhoid and 
Scarlet Fever should be carefully carried out. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

CHICKEN-POX. 

MEDICAL authorities differ in regard to this 
disease, some classifying it with smallpox, 
others making it entirely separate. It resembles 
smallpox in some particulars, but is much more mild 
even than varioloid. It is distinguished by an erup- 
tion of vesicles which rarely become pustular or 
yellow, and leave only a very slight incrustation, 
which falls off in a few days without any permanent 
mark or pit as in smallpox. There is a little fever, 
and the eruption appears in successive crops, and is 
confined mostly to the body. Attention to diet, the 
bowels, and kidneys, protection from draughts of air 
and sudden change of temperature are about all the 
care that is necessary. 

The disorder commences with a slight cold or fever, 
sometimes both, and red pimples upon the face. A 
copious enema should be given in the beginning, to- 
gether with a hot full bath (page 86), for fifteen or 
twenty minutes, or the vapor-bath (page 90) can be 
used for ten or fifteen minutes. The patient should 
then be placed in bed for an hour or two, and after- 
ward carefully kept from change of temperature. 
Both hot and cold water should be drunk freely, and 

10 [145] 



146 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

the body sponged with tepid water every day or two 
during the continuance of the disease. The diet 
should be the same as is recommended for all fevers. 
The internal remedy is No. 6, which should be used, 
one tablet every three hours. 



CHAPTER XX. 

CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS, 
OR SPOTTED FEVER. 

THIS disease is infectious, and in its more violent 
form, contagious. It is an affection of the cov- 
erings of the brain and spinal cord. While other 
fevers may be traced directly to miasm, defective 
drainage, impurities in drinking water, sewer gases, 
etc., the specific poison in this disease has not yet 
been discovered. It prevails in localities that are 
damp and unwholesome, but does not make any ex- 
ception on account of any care or precaution taken in 
reference to preserving the best sanitary conditions. 
It also attacks the young and vigorous as well as the 
scrofulous, debilitated, or infirm. In the cerebral type 
the brain symptoms are the most prominent, commenc- 
ing with dizziness and headache, and progressing 
with the fever until delirium or spasms follow. Nau- 
sea and vomiting are present, accompanying any mo- 
tion of the head. There is a sinking sensation at the 
pit of the stomach, great prostration, pain in the spine 
and limbs, and an acute sensitiveness of the skin, 
which is painful upon pressure. 

The characteristic sign of the disease, which is de- 
veloped later, is the spasm of the back, by which it 

[1471 



148 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

permanently curves forward and by which the head is 
thrown backward as far as possible, and there kept. 
The attacks vary; in some, delirium and other of the 
worst features of the disease develop in the first day 
or two; in others the fever may not reach its hight in 
a week; some recover within ten days, and in others 
convalescence is protracted for weeks and perhaps 
months. So with the peculiar eruption of this disease; 
it may appear upon the first, second, or third day, or 
it may be entirely absent. This varies also in char- 
acter, color, and position, closely resembling flea bites 
and ranging from scarlet to brown. When the disease 
is of long duration, there may be almost complete loss 
of muscular power, also blindness or deafness, insanity, 
idiocy, and softening of the brain. The bowels are at 
first constipated, but diarrhea may finally develop. 
The bladder is troublesome, showing a tendency to 
retain its contents. 

It is occasionally difficult to distinguish this malady 
from typhoid fever as its indications are quite similar. 
It can be distinguished, however, from typhoid fever 
by the violence of the attack, the brain being so speed- 
ily overcome by the sudden prostration, while in ty- 
phoid the person may be ailing for days before being 
compelled to go to bed. In cerebro-spinal meningitis 
the pulse is much slower, and the temperature rises but 
little. There is pain in the head and back; the head 
is bent backward and firmly held in this position. 
These last symptoms will also distinguish it from 
typhus fever. 

The course of treatment indicated is to relieve the 
inflammation in the cerebral membranes, to prevent 



CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS. 149 

effusion, or if it has occurred, to promote absorption, 
to neutralize the blood poison, to relieve the pain in 
the spine and back of the head, and the rigidity of the 
muscles of the back, and to tone up the system dur- 
ing prostration. 

Active measures should be taken in the beginning 
of this disease ; and while this is considered a very 
grave disease, if the line of treatment be followed out 
which is here recommended, recovery may almost cer- 
tainly be relied upon. During the stage of chill the 
steam-bath (page 87) should be applied, with very 
cold compresses to the head. When the fever be- 
comes established, this can be alleviated by the fre- 
quent application of the cool sponge-bath (page 92), 
with a cold compress to the abdomen. The great ten- 
dency to headache and delirium can be greatly relieved 
by the frequent application of the pouring-head bath 
(page 93). This can be alternated with ice com- 
presses to the head, neck, and spine. If the contin- 
ued cold application should produce depression, which 
will be indicated by slow pulse or chilliness, the pa- 
tient should be placed in a warm blanket-pack ( page 
94), and the cold applications discontinued for a time. 
The internal treatment recommended is, when there 
is high fever, one tablet of No. 1 every two hours; 
when there is restlessness, give, in addition, one tab- 
let of No. 2 every three hours. Further treatment is 
the same as recommended in the chapter on Typhoid 
Fever, which read carefully. 

As this disease is contagious, we would advise the 
same precautions in regard to disinfection as have 
been given under Typhoid and Scarlet fevers. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

THIS affection is divided into two classes: one 
produced by the general causes of fever, and 
the other the result of wounds and injuries which re- 
quire surgical operations. It is a peculiar form of un- 
healthy inflammation, attacking the skin and cellular 
tissue, having a strong tendency to spread itself with 
great rapidity over the surface. It may affect any 
surface, either external or internal. Adults are most 
generally attacked by it, the face being its most com- 
mon location. It is undoubtedly a blood poison, and 
is an effect of debility. 

The cutaneous, or simple, is the mildest form of the 
disease, commencing with chill and flushes of heat, 
followed by headache, nausea, hot skin, quick pulse, 
and coated tongue. In from twenty-four to forty- 
eight hours, the rash makes its appearance, though 
sometimes it comes out simultaneously with the other 
symptoms. The rash is of a uniform, vivid, rosy-red 
hue, sometimes becoming dusky, and is accompanied 
by puffy swelling caused by serous effusion into the 
tissues, severe burning, stinging pains, and dropsical 
swelling. The ordinary duration of the simple form 
of erysipelas is from seven to fourteen days. 

[150] 



ERYSIPELAS. 15 1 

Erysipelas very frequently occurs in wounds, espe- 
cially in those of a surgical character. Where the 
system is predisposed to this disease, it frequently 
arises from a very trivial injury, sometimes even from 
the stings of insects. In whatever way it arises, it is 
characterized by the rapidity and extent of the slough- 
ing of the affected tissues, and by great depression of 
the powers of the constitution. A rapidly increasing 
swelling appears, its surface tense, shining, and usually 
pale, hard, and resisting, but frequently yielding a 
semi-elastic sensation. There is severe pain of a burn- 
ing, throbbing, or heavy character; tensive pulse, fre- 
quently sharp and jerky, having no force or steadiness. 
The countenance is anxious and haggard, mind irri- 
table, and at times delirious. The disease contracted 
from an injury is much more dangerous than the forms 
noticed above. 

The treatment should consist of those measures 
which will relieve the system of impurities, neutralize 
the blood poison, relieve the local pain and swelling, 
and tone up the system. 

The vapor-bath ( page 90) should first be used when 
the attack begins to come on, and should be continued 
until free perspiration is induced. The extent of this 
will need to be governed by the condition of the 
patient. If weak and debilitated, the treatment will 
need to be milder and of a shorter duration than if the 
patient is robust. The bath should be followed by the 
enema ( page 97), giving the bowels a thorough cleans- 
ing. Afterward, inject a half pint of cool water into 
the bowel. The fever with which this disorder is 



152 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

always accompanied, should be treated with cool 
compresses (page 96), and cool sponging (page 92), 
together with cool enemas. The eruption can be 
greatly relieved by the application of cold, or ice com- 
presses. The application of the compresses should be 
-carefully watched ; and if the affected parts should 
change their color to a purple or bluish tinge or a 
bright scarlet, the cold compresses should be changed 
for hot ones, until the proper circulation is again re- 
stored. For internal treatment, use No. 1, as follows : 
When fever is high, give a tablet every two hours ; 
during stage of convalesence, give one tablet of No. 
5 three times each day. 

The diet during this disease should be of a very un- 
stimulating character. The use of meats, especially 
fat or grease of any description, should be entirely 
abandoned. The various preparations which can be 
made from whole-wheat, corn, rye, or barley, should 
be used. Coarse vegetables should also be excluded. 
A careful attention to diet by those who are predis- 
posed to this malady will have a more beneficial effect 
than that which the so-called blood-purifiers can ever 
accomplish. Especially should the use of pork prod- 
ucts be avoided. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

ACUTE CATARRH — SNUFFLES. 

ACUTE catarrh, or cold in the head, is an inflam- 
mation and congestion of the mucous surfaces 
of the nasal cavities. It is indicated by chilliness, 
aching of the forehead, flushed face, drowsiness, sneez- 
ing and snuffing, discharge from the nose, watery at 
first, afterward becoming thick and yellow; watery 
eyes, and the thermometer showing fever. In severe 
cases the mucous membrane swells, closing the nasal 
passages, and compelling respiration by the mouth. 
This disease, which in adults is usually only an incon- 
venience and annoyance, in infants may become very 
serious, owing to the closing of the nasal passages. 
Nursing infants will need to be fed with a spoon until 
the air passages can be cleared. 

The treatment for adults should be either the va- 
por- or steam-bath (pages 87 and 90), continued for 
fifteen or twenty minutes, keeping the head covered 
during the first few minutes of its administration. 
The cold-water application at the termination of the 
bath, as given in the directions, should not be omitted. 
It is preferable that this bath should be given at night 
just before retiring; or if taken during the daytime, the 
patient should lie in bed for an hour or two, and then 

[i53] 



154 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

be extremely careful not to expose himself to draughts 
for some time afterward. The atomizer which is fur- 
nished with this work will be found extremely useful 
for clearing the nasal passages. With each atomizer, 
we furnish a variety of prescriptions and instructions 
for home treatment. These are furnished separate 
from the book for convenience in taking to the drug 
store for preparation. 

For children, oil the nose and forehead thoroughly 
with glycerine, sweet oil, or fresh butter. This also 
should be inserted into the nostrils, and the child 
held before the fire closely wrapped, in order to pro- 
duce heat and perspiration. This will usually bring 
relief in a few moments. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

CATARRHAL FEVER, INFLUENZA, 
LA GRIPPE. 

THIS is a disease which is largely prevalent at dif- 
ferent seasons of the year. It is infectious in its 
character, and sometimes large portions of the country 
will be visited with it at the same time. It is a disease 
which usually lasts but a few days, and rarely proves 
fatal. The symptoms are very similar to those of 
acute catarrh, but there is more pain connected 
with it and a higher degree of temperature, although 
there is not the thickening up of the nasal passages 
and the difficulty of breathing as in catarrh. The 
bronchial tubes are more or less involved. 

The treatment for this disease is essentially the same 
as that recommended for catarrh, with the addition 
that there should be more attention to the fever in the 
way of sponge-baths and compresses. For internal 
treatment use the following: No. 2, one tablet every 
three hours while there is much fever. Follow this 
up with one tablet of No. 6, every three hours. 

[155] 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

NOSEBLEED. 

BLEEDING from the nose is usually a trivial 
matter, and ordinarily stops in a short time of 
itself; but where there are predisposing causes, and 
the bloodvessels of the head are weak or congested, 
the bleeding frequently becoms a serious matter. 

Treatment: First remove all known causes, and 
remain perfectly quiet, with head elevated. Do not 
allow the patient to stoop with head over a basin. 
Keep the head up, and place cloths under the nose to 
catch the blood. Place two or three thicknesses of 
blotting-paper or other soft paper under the upper lip. 
Pass a cord around the head beneath the nose and 
over the ears, fixing it tightly behind the head. If 
tannin is obtainable, take a quill and blow some of the 
dry powder into the nostrils, or burn a cork, powder it, 
and use the powder the same way. Soak the feet in 
hot water, and apply cold compresses to the back of 
the neck. 

[iS6] 



CHAPTER XXV. 

CANKER— THRUSH— NURSING SORE 
MOUTH. 

THIS occurs principaly in nursing children. The 
glands of the mouth become inflamed, and throw 
off whitish, curdy flakes or scabs. At first they are 
not very numerous, but soon multiply and run to- 
gether, covering the cheeks, gums, and tongue, and 
may extend down the throat and digestive canal, af- 
fecting the whole tract. The mouth is dry and hot, 
the child feverish and restless. A greenish diarrhea 
sets in, with vomiting, and the flesh and strength di- 
minish. Cankered mouth appears occasionally in 
adults suffering from dyspepsia. 

The primary cause of this malady is indigestion, and 
is induced by bad food, bad air, and unhealthful con- 
ditions. The condition of the mother should receive 
attention, if nursing, and the character and quality of 
the food should be examined. The first steps toward 
recovery should be the removal of the causes. The 
mouth should be rinsed very frequently with cold 
water. Make a solution of one dram of boracic acid 
dissolved in a cup of warm water, and apply to the 
mouth several times a day with the atomizer. For 
the diarrhea, administer internally one tablet of No. 
6, every three hours. 

[157] 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

TOOTHACHE. 

THIS arises from exposure of the nerves of the 
teeth or from pressure upon the nerve, which fre- 
quently occurs from ulceration at the root. The teeth 
should receive careful attention, and when badly de- 
cayed beyond the possibility of filling, should be 
extracted. Toothache is frequently brought on by 
taking cold, the cold seeming to settle in the diseased 
tooth. Children are frequently troubled in this way, 
the trouble usually manifesting itself during the night 
and becoming a very serious cause of disturbance. If 
the tooth is hollow, a piece of cotton should be wet 
with laudanum and heated over the flame of a lamp 
and inserted in the tooth. If the trouble is caused by 
a cold, the vapor-bath ( page 90) will generally give 
relief. Should the trouble be persistent, take a piece 
of cotton cloth about one inch long and one half inch 
wide, make a small bag, place in this a half teaspoonful 
of dry mustard, and sew up the opening. This is to be 
placed by the side of the aching tooth between the 
gum and cheek, and there held. It should be removed 
occasionally to prevent blistering. Should there be a 
determination of blood to the head, a hot foot-bath 
will afford additional relief. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

BRAIN FEVER. 

THIS is an inflammation of the substance of the 
brain or of its coverings. It may be brought 
about by violent mental emotions, by sun heat, by in- 
juries, or by the use of alcoholic stimulation. It is of- 
tener met with as a complication or consequence of 
other fevers. A marked feature of the disease is the 
strong tendency of blood toward the head. The symp- 
toms are high fever, hard and rapid pulse, headache, in- 
creasing in severity, flushed face and eyes, contracted 
pupils, coated tongue, ringing in the ears, and intoler- 
ance of light and sound. The patient is irritable and 
sleepless, and in the earilier stages we have violent 
delirium, afterward low and muttering, with jerking of 
the muscles, picking at the bedclothes, gradually laps- 
ing into insensibility. 

The patient should be placed in a dark room and 
kept very quiet. The bowels should be evacuated by 
means of the enema (page 97). If the stomach is irri- 
table, apply a hot compress over the region of this 
organ. Give internally one tablet of No. 1 every two 
hours while there is much fever; and give one tablet 
of No. 4 every four hours, until the bowels have moved 
thoroughly. Then begin with No. 6, one tablet every 
four hours, for a few days. 

[I59J 



l60 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

The surface of the body should be cooled by means 
of the sponge-bath (page 92). The condition of the 
head should receive the most careful attention. Ice 
compresses should be applied to the head, particularly 
to the base of the brain. These should be renewed as 
often as there is any indication of their becoming 
warm. Careful nursing and attention in this disease 
are very essential. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 

FROM external injuries or blows, as in falling from 
a hight, or having some weighty substance strike 
the head, the brain and nervous centers are shocked. 
Unconsciousness succeeds immediately, and may be 
more or less protracted according to the amount of 
internal disturbance. When simply stunned, the per- 
son will recover his senses in a short time, and be able 
to stand and walk. Not so, if the shock has been 
severe. The comatose condition continues, the breath- 
ing is labored, pupils contracted, and pulse weak and 
irregular. If not revived, the insensibility becomes 
deeper, the surface cold, and dissolution approaches. 
In recovery from this condition, consciousness slowly 
returns, and the power of motion still more tardily, 
consuming hours or days in its completion. 

The shock or stun has but one effect; there are other 
and more serious complications. The blow may have 
been so heavy as to rupture a bloodvessel, when the 
symptoms of apoplexy appear. Or the skull may be 
fractured and a portion of bone press upon the brain, 
producing a condition known as compression of the 
brain. The symptoms are still apoplectic; uncon- 
sciousness, jerky, noisy breathing, nausea, and fre- 
quently vomiting. 

ii [161] 



l62 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

In concussion of the brain the object should be to 
restore as speedily as possible to the brain its lost 
stimulus — the blood. The body should be placed at 
an angle of forty-five degrees, with the hips elevated, 
and the head dependent. Sprinkle water on the face, 
and apply to the nostrils ammonia or smelling-salts. 
A pint of water at from no°to 115 should be injected 
into the bowels; a hot fomentation should be applied 
to the head. Compression can only be relieved by 
the aid of a surgeon. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

SUNSTROKE. 

THIS affection is caused by exposure either to the 
direct rays of the sun or to an intensely heated 
atmosphere. Persons engaged in indoor occupation 
are overcome by heat as well as those directly exposed 
to the sun's rays. The brain becomes congested and 
its membranes inflamed, or the lungs are congested, 
or there is nervous exhaustion, with failure of the 
heart. The skin is hot and dry, the pulse quick and 
feeble, the face flushed or pale, the tongue red or 
brown, the pupils contracted, the eyes bloodshot, the 
vision dimmed, the breathing difficult, and the evacua- 
tions involuntary. The attack is preceded by dull- 
ness, headache, and a general feeling of uneasiness; 
even these are sometimes wanting, and the patient 
falls suddenly and expires. However mild the stroke, 
it is not unattended with danger, and for years after- 
ward the patient is easily overcome by heat during the 
summer, by walking or working in the sun, especially 
if fatigued. Persons that are addicted to the use of 
intoxicants are more susceptible to its attacks than 
those of abstemious habits. 

Sunstroke can usually be prevented by the constant 
application of cold to the head. Persons exposed to a 

[163] 



164 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

scorching sun should wear in their hats a sponge, 
handkerchief, or large leaf, which ought to be fre- 
quently wet, and as a further precaution, should not 
take large draughts of cold water, and should avoid 
the use of spirituous drinks. 

It is distinguished from apoplexy by a feeble, not 
full pulse: by less complete insensibility, it being often 
possible to arouse the invalid by speaking in a loud 
voice; by dizziness and feebleness of motion, but not 
paralysis. In most instances sunstroke is attended 
with headache, apoplexy seldom. There are two con- - 
ditions of sunstroke, and the treatment will need to be 
varied according to the condition presented. First, 
there may be congestion of the brain, with the face 
flushed and the outer veins prominent. The patient 
should be carried to a cool, shady place, and laid upon 
the back, the head higher than the feet. Loosen or 
remove the clothing about the neck, and apply the 
pouring-head bath (page 93), very cold. Give no 
remedies internally. If there is nausea or vomiting, 
apply a hot compress over the stomach. Pieces of ice 
or the ice compress may be packed around the head. 
The temperature frequently rises very high, sometimes 
to uo° This should be reduced by cold compresses 
and the cold enema. Should the patient shiver or 
show indications of becoming chilled, cold applications 
should be discontinued and plenty of warm covering 
supplied. 

Second, should the face be pale and symptoms of 
exhaustion predominate, hot fomentations should be 
applied to the head, over the region of the heart, and 



SUNSTROKE. l6$ 

to the spine, and the body should be rubbed vigor- 
ously. If the patient can swallow, a glass of hot water 
will be beneficial. 

When the temperature rises, showing indications of 
fever, this should be reduced by a cool sponge-bath 
(page 92). Rest and quietness are needed until the 
attack passes off. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

HEADACHE. 

THIS is a symptom of a disease rather than a dis- 
ease itself, and is often presented in a variety of 
conditions. It is as often due to a disorder in other 
organs as in the brain itself. Headaches vary as much 
in character as in cause ; the pain may be sharp, dull, 
throbbing, darting, light, or intense; may affect one 
part of the head, several parts, or the whole; may be 
continuous, as in diseases or tumor of the brain, or 
periodical, which is the more common form. The 
latter are less dangerous and more susceptible to 
treatment. Headaches are, in some families, heredi- 
tary. Disorders of the stomach, bowels, liver, womb, 
and nervous system, are the most frequent causes. 
Slight headaches are experienced more or less fre- 
quently by everybody. 

The popular names given to the different kinds of 
headache are used indiscriminately. What one calls 
nervous headache another calls sick-headache ; be- 
sides, either one or the other may be entirely mis- 
named, and be either congestive or dyspeptic headache. 
We will endeavor to describe them by names which 
are more accurate, or by which they are more com- 
monly designated by the intelligent. 
[166] 



HEADACHE. l6? 

In dyspeptic headache we have chilliness, cold feet, 
flushed face, hot forehead, dull pain in the front or 
sides of the head, furred tongue, loss of appetite, dry 
skin, nausea, and vomiting. It seems as though one 
would go crazy, or the head would split open. The 
bowels may be constipated, although irritation may 
exist in the stomach, and the bowels may continue to 
move. This form may be accompanied with neuralgia. 

As we have indicated, headache is a symptom of 
disease usually, therefore the cure of headache must 
come through the eradication of disease. Dyspeptic 
headache usually occurs periodically, and frequently 
the relief sought for can be obtained by commencing 
the treatment before the appearance of the headache. 

The bowels should be evacuated with a large enema 
(page 97), then administer the vapor-bath (page 90), 
which should be followed by the sitz-bath (page 91). 
In case of severe pain in the head, use the pouring- 
head bath ( page 93), or cold or ice compress ( page 96). 
The diet should receive special attention, as this con- 
dition is brought about by errors in diet. A careful 
study of the articles on Food and Digestion, in this 
work, and the following out of the principles laid 
down, will tend to alleviate the difficulty, and is the 
only method of permanent relief. 

Sick-headache is similar in character, and differs 
only in the character of the pain, which is sudden, 
sharp, and piercing at times. It increases in severity 
up to and through the nausea and vomiting, which 
latter seem to be an effort of nature to rid the system 
of irritation, eliminate the secretions, and equalize the 



l68 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

circulation. The bowels are more likely to be con- 
stipated in this form. 

Bilious headache is like sick-headache; but there is 
a jaundiced hue of the skin, the tongue is coated 
yellow, and there is a bitter taste in the mouth. 
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea follow. When the 
symptoms of either bilious or sick-headache first 
appear, a warm-water emetic should be taken. Re- 
lieve the bowels by a copious warm-water enema ; 
afterward inject a half pint of cool water into the 
bowel. The steam bath should next be taken, with~ 
cold compress to the head. The patient should after- 
ward rest quietly in bed for an hour or two. The 
severity of the attack can be greatly lessened if this 
treatment is pursued when the symptoms first appear. 
Permanent relief from this complaint can only come 
by an adherence to strictly hygienic diet. 

Nervous headache closely resembles sick-headache. 
It is an affection of the feeble, debilitated, and brain- 
working classes. Females suffer most frequently. 
They are subject to attacks, upon nervous excitement, 
excesses, or shopping. It is also a symptom of uterine 
disease. There are dizziness, sharp pains,and consti- 
pation. It usually begins in the morning with a dull 
heavy feeling, with rapidly increasing pain on one 
side of the head ; the eyes are sensitive to light, and 
the attack usually ends with nausea and vomiting. 
This form of headache is usually attributed to a variety 
of causes, but almost invariably proceeds from errors 
in diet. The patient should scrupulously abstain from 
tea and coffee, fats and grease, and the use of tobacco. 



HEADACHE. 169 

Relief during the attack may be obtained by hot 
applications to the affected side of the head, and hot 
compresses applied to the back of the neck. Vomiting 
may be relieved by sipping small pieces of ice, and the 
application of the hot-water bag over the region of the 
stomach. Where the attack promises to be of long 
continuance, it can frequently be cut short by the full 
warm bath (page 86), or the sitz-bath (page 91), either 
of which will prove beneficial. 

Neuralgic headache is a species of nervous headache. 
It is a type found in the delicate, asthenic, and en- 
feebled. The paroxysms are periodical, and may con- 
tinue to occur for years. The subject is afflicted with 
neuralgia in other parts of the body. The pains are 
sudden and darting, and may pass to the face or run 
along the jaws. Decayed teeth may be the cause. 
The best results will be obtained in this form of head- 
ache if the attack can be frustrated. The vapor-bath 
(page 90), taken in bed, with hot fomentations to the 
head, will often give the desired relief. If the bowels 
are constipated, they should be relieved in the be- 
ginning by an enema. The treatment prescribed 
under the heading of Neuralgia will be found beneficial 
in this form of headache. Permanent relief can only 
be obtained by a change in the habits of living and 
strict compliance with the laws of health. The reader 
is referred to those chapters on Diet, Digestion, etc. 

In rheumatic and gouty headache there is little or 
no heat in the head, the pulse is seldom disturbed, 
and the pain is sometimes relieved by pressure. The 
urine will be found scanty and high-colored. The 



170 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

structure of one of the coverings of the brain is of the 
peculiar character of that in which rheumatism be- 
comes seated. Rheumatic pains are felt in other parts 
of the body, and usually the patient has had acute 
rheumatism. Such being the case, and the symptoms 
corroborating, the headache may be suspected to be 
rheumatic. Inactivity or congestion of the kidneys, 
which produces scanty and high-colored urine, may 
give rise to headache closely resembling the rheumatic 
variety. Dull pain and lameness in the small of the 
back are associated with this condition. 

The treatment for this form of headache should be 
eliminative. The steam-bath (page 87), should be 
used for from fifteen to thirty minutes according to the 
strength of the patient, followed by the cool sitz-bath. 
The full enema (page 97) should be used, together 
with a copious drinking of soft water. If the patient 
is robust, this treatment should be applied every other 
day for several days, not waiting for a recurrence of 
the attack. If the patient is feeble, the treatment 
should be of less duration, and two or three days 
should elapse between baths. 

Congestive headache is a species not so familiar, but 
exceedingly common. It is not so easily distinguished 
because of its appearing in two forms which differ 
widely in appearance. In one, the face is red and 
flushed, in the other, pale. In both there is an abnor- 
mal tendency of blood to the head. When the arteries 
are congested, the former appearance prevails ; when 
the veins are filled and sluggishly return the blood to 
the heart, the patient is pale. Both may result from 



HEADACHE. 171 

stooping, fatigue, exposure to the sun, etc. In one 
the pulse is hard, face flushed, eyes suffused. The 
opposite is oftener met in those of spare habit. The 
face is pallid, eyes dull, pupils of the eyes dilated, 
extremities cold, and pulse soft and feeble. The sen- 
sation is described as that of a cord tightly bound 
around the head. 

As the most frequent cause of congestive headache 
is errors in diet, and the use of tea, coffee, condiments, 
liquors, and tobacco, relief can only come through a 
change in this respect. The treatment should consist 
of the pouring-head bath (page 93), or cold com- 
presses (page 96) applied to the head. The hot- water 
bag applied to the stomach, and the hot foot-bath 
(page 93) will tend to equalize the circulation. If the 
patient is robust and plethoric, an eliminative treat- 
ment should be used consisting of the hot full-bath 
(page 86) or the steam-bath (page 87). Careful at- 
tention to diet will do much toward affording com- 
plete relief. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

SLEEPLESSNESS. 

THIS is hardly a disease of itself. It frequently re- 
sults from fevers, excesses of different kinds, 
and accompanies general debility and many chronic 
diseases. It is a serious symptom of nervous disorder, 
and is a precursor of insanity. The habit of sleepless- 
ness should not be allowed to continue, as it frequently 
becomes more aggravated by continuance. 

Whatever causes tend to a condition of congestion 
of the brain or irritation of the nervous system, will 
produce sleeplessness. Eating late or just before re- 
tiring is a fruitful cause of this condition. Very fre- 
quently there is an " all-gone" feeling at the stomach 
before retiring, and relief is sought for by eating. 
This may temporarily bring the desired result, but 
eventually aggravates the complaint. Relief of the 
faint feeling can be obtained by drinking a glass of hot 
or cold lemonade with little or no sugar, and the after 
evil effects be thereby avoided. 

One of the most effective methods of alleviating 
sleeplessness, after attention to improper habits, is by 
means of the wet-towel night-cap ( page 97). The 
cool sponge-bath (page 92), just before retiring, or a 
vigorous rubbing of the body with the hand, will often 

[172] 



SLEEPLESSNESS. 173 

prove beneficial. Thorough ventilation of the bedroom 
without draughts should be insisted upon, and the use 
of feather-beds discarded. Regular hours for retiring 
should be adhered to, and the effort made to retain 
regular hours of sleep. Should the person sleep dur- 
ing the fore part of the night and afterwards have long 
periods of wakefulness, as is frequently the case, the 
habit can be broken up by the patient immediately 
jumping out of bed on awaking, taking a brisk walk 
around the room, with the hand rub as above, and the 
application of the wet napkin to the forehead (page 97). 
Frequently sleeplessness is caused by cold extrem- 
ities. This can be temporarily relieved by the use of 
the hot-water bag, but should not be persisted in. 
Permanent relief should be looked for in a general ton- 
ing up of the system and an equalization of the circu- 
lation. This can be obtained through adherence to 
hygienic diet, and the use of vapor baths. The pa- 
tient can use internally, three tablets of No. 2 at bed- 
time. If sleep is not produced, repeat dose in two 
hours. This is a temporary remedy, and should not 
be persisted in. Seek for permanent relief by change 
of habits. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

HYSTERIA. 

THIS is a nervous affection, remarkable for the 
numerous forms it assumes and the number of 
serious maladies it simulates. There is a diseased 
condition of the mind as well as of the nervous system, 
a greater susceptibility to emotions, and an inability of 
the will to control them. This disease usually occurs 
in females, and between the ages of fifteen and twenty- 
five. In a very large proportion of cases, hysteria has 
been found to accompany diseases or displacements of 
the generative organs. An attack is usually caused 
by mental anxiety or excitement, grief, dissapoint- 
ments in love, fits of anger, jealousy, etc. Those of 
nervous temperament, the precociously developed, and 
those brought up amid the excitements and luxuries 
of city life are most susceptible. The attack is some- 
times preceded by fits of yawning, sighing, and irre- 
pressible laughter. There is difficult breathing and a 
choking sensation, as if a solid ball were ascending 
from the abdomen to the throat; weeping, laughing, 
vomiting, and palpitation of the heart. This generally 
passes off with sobbing, copious discharges of urine, 
followed by great depression of spirits. When the at- 
tack is severe, we may have some one or more of the 

[i74] 



HYSTERIA. 175 

following difficulties: headache, gas in the intestines, 
with pain and bloating, obstinate vomiting, lancing 
pains in the chest as in pleurisy; neuralgia, rheumatism 
in joints, paralysis of motion or sense, convulsions of 
the eyes, limbs, or whole body, and delirium. 

It is to be distinguished from most diseases which it 
may in its course resemble, by the previous symptoms 
of weeping, laughing, and the "ball" in the throat. A 
test in cases where pain, soreness, swelling, etc., are 
complained of, is that firm pressure can be made with- 
out causing pain if the attention of the patient be di- 
verted for a moment. When the thoughts are upon 
the part supposed to be affected, a feather has unbear- 
able weight. In pleurisy a full inspiration is avoided, 
in hysteria the chest is expanded freely. In hysteria 
the respiration is natural, the pulse regular, the pu- 
pils respond to light, and the patient is seldom totally 
unconscious. These symptoms are exactly opposite 
in the unconsciousness of apoplexy. In epilepsy or 
fits there is no stricture in the throat, in hysteria, no 
foaming at the mouth. Epilepsy is sudden and invol- 
untary; hysteria comes on gradually, and the spasms 
are partly under control. In the former the patients 
injure themselves, bite the tongue, etc.; in the latter 
they seldom do themselves any injury. 

Where the cause is uterine disease, the cause must 
be removed before recovery can be expected. The 
nervous and general system should be toned up by an 
adherence to nature's laws. Anything that will tend 
to excite the nervous system must be avoided. The 
patient should be induced to exercise habits of self- 



I?6 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

control, and the thoughts should be taken away from 
self. To relieve the attack, the most effective means 
is the pouring-head bath (page 93), with the water 
very cold. The application of the cold compress to 
the spine is very beneficial. Abundant exercise in 
the open air should be taken, and occasionally the 
vapor-bath (page 90), followed by the sitz-bath (page 
91), at a temperature of about 90 . Reading matter 
of a sensational or trifling character should be care- 
fully avoided. For internal treatment we. would rec- 
ommend the use of remedy No. 2, as follows: One - 
tablet four times a day, and of No. 5, one tablet after 
meals. 

The use of opium, alcoholic stimulants, and all 
strong medicines should be avoided. During the at- 
tack and for some time after, the patient should be 
kept perfectly quiet. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

CONVULSIONS. 

THIS is a common disease in infancy, but may 
occur at any age. A supersensitiveness of the 
nervous system in the young, and debility in the adult, 
predisposes to the attack. It can hardly be considered 
a disease of itself, but is rather a symptom of disease. 
Some point or points become the seat of irritation, 
which is reflected back to the spinal cord or brain 
when the spasm or convulsion proceeds. Most people 
are aware of the danger of death to horses from lock- 
jaw, when a nail has entered the foot. The irrita- 
tion beginning in the foot culminates in the brain; so 
in the subject under consideration. Particular atten- 
tion is directed to this matter, in order that in every 
case of convulsions the cause may be ferreted out and 
removed. This is not always practicable, as when the 
blood is poisoned with malaria, or a child is taken with 
convulsions at the beginning of a fever. But when 
arising from the presence of worms, indigestible food, 
retention of urine, surface irritation, teething, etc., at- 
tempts to avoid the convulsions are almost fruitless 
unless the local difficulty is abated. 

Convulsions accompany some of the diseases of 
adult life, such as St. Vitus's dance, epilepsy, Bright's 
disease of the kidneys, hydrophobia, hysteria, and the 
parturient state. 

12 [177] 



1^8 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

The premonitory symptoms of infantile convulsions 
are sometimes called inward fits. They demonstrate 
the presence of irritation. There are twitching of the 
arms or legs, drawing down the corners of the lips, the 
half-open eyelids, upturned eyes, grinding of the teeth, 
and sudden starts. The convulsion comes suddenly, 
with unconsciousness, agitation of the limbs, flushed 
or purplish face, fixed or rolling eyes, and the head 
thrown back. 

Infants should be placed in a warm bath, and cold 
compresses placed upon the head, if the head is hot. 
Should the soft spot at the top of the head protrude, 
showing evidence of severe congestion, cold applica- 
tions to the head should be applied very freely. If, on 
the contrary, the soft spot should show a depression, 
the infant should be held for a few moments with head 
downward, and the cold applications to the head 
should be omitted. Very frequently relief can be ob- 
tained by the use of a half teaspoonful of chloroform, 
poured upon a handkerchief and held an inch or two 
from the nose, allowing the mixture of fresh air and 
the vapor of the anesthetic. 

Should the convulsion occur in larger children or in 
an adult, givG f if possible, a warm-water emetic, and if 
the extremities are cold, warm them. Should the 
whole body be cold, the patient should be placed in a 
hot bath. If the head is hot, apply the cold compress 
(page 96). Should there be danger of the patient bit- 
ing the tongue, insert between the teeth a wedge of 
wood or a cork. When the convulsion is over, seek 
out and remove the cause. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

NINE-DAY FITS. 

THESE occur in children under two weeks of age, 
as the name implies. This is caused by im- 
pure air, improper diet, or the use of alcoholic liquors 
by the mother, but more frequently is traced to irrita- 
tion of the cord. This may arise from rubbing, or from 
wet or filthy dressing to the umbilicus or navel. Ap- 
ply to the spine a small strip of cotton wet in chloro- 
form. This stops the spasm, and when the smart- 
ing from the chloroform ceases, the child will sleep. 
Cleanse the cord and parts surrounding, with soap and 
water, and see that the clothes are dry. Spread on an 
old piece of linen some antiseptic ointment, and secure 
it with adhesive strips. This should be removed and 
new applied as often as it becomes wet. Should the 
cause be unsanitary conditions, improper food, or the 
habits of the mother, these of course must be corrected 
in order to obtain permanent relief. 

[179] 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

NEURALGIA. 

NEURALGIA is a common term signifying pain 
in the nerve. It is sharp, sudden, piercing, al- 
ternately ceases and reappears, and follows the course 
of a nerve and its branches. It attacks the nerves dis- 
tributed to the forehead and temple, the cheek and 
eye, the teeth and jaws, the arms, the heart, the ribs, 
the stomach, the liver, the kidneys, the testicle, the 
leg, and other parts. It is experienced by the strong 
and full-blooded as well as by the feeble and delicate. 
Among the latter it is frequent, particularly if inhabit- 
ing malarial districts. By many people neuralgia is 
called rheumatism, and it is sometimes difficult for a 
physician to distinguish between the two. In the jaws 
it may be mistaken for toothache, and many sound 
teeth have been extracted without relief. Nursing 
long continued, and consumption induce neuralgia of 
the ribs. Exposure to cold and damp produce neural- 
gia of the back and testicle. Neuralgia arises from 
dyspepsia, from uterine disease, and from other organic 
affections. Often it is due to irritation, and may be 
sympathetic. 

From a moment's consideration of the many condi- 
tions in which neuralgia appears and the many causes 
[180] 



NEURALGIA. l8l 

which produce it, it is evident that the only way to 
eradicate it is by a thorough course of treatment and 
medication which will correct the abnormal condition 
of the system and its fluids. That this is obstinate 
all physicians declare, and particularly so when it is 
hereditary. 

To relieve the pain, if the surface is cold, apply hot 
fomentations; if hot, apply the cold compress. Lay 
aside whichever increases the pain, and use the other. 
Sometimes this can only be ascertained by trial. Lit- 
tle is gained by burning or blistering the part with 
mustard or similar applications. If local heat relieves, 
apply the rubber bag filled with boiling hot water to 
the back; to the lower part of the spine if the pain 
is in the abdomen or legs; or between the shoulder- 
blades if the neuralgia is in the head or chest. 

There are many remedies recommended for internal 
administration for this disease, but as it is due prima- 
rily to errors in diet and living, permanent relief can 
only be obtained by a return to those health principles 
which will build up the system, and fortify it against 
the attack of disease. As a tonic, to increase the tone 
and vitality of the system, give No. 5, one tablet every 
three hours, for two or three weeks. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

LOCKJAW. 

THIS disease results from a wound, and seems to 
spend the most of its force upon the lacerated 
nerve or nerves, and through the nervous system the 
whole frame becomes involved. The appearances, 
however, are confined chiefly to the muscles, which 
being contracted and rigid, would indicate that they 
alone were affected. The magnitude of the injury is 
in no proportion to the severity of this malady. A 
blow which will affect the flesh to a considerable ex- 
tent may occasion it, and it has been known to de- 
velop from so slight a cause as pricking the finger with 
a tack. In horses it is frequently developed by a nail 
puncturing the foot. From a sense of soreness about 
the wound, there quickly follows a stiffness of the ad- 
joining muscles. This rigidity progresses toward the 
head, including all the muscular structures in its way. 
Soon the neck and face are involved, and although 
consciousness is retained until the last, the counte- 
nance has a ghastly appearance. The jaws in turn are 
locked fast, swallowing is impossible, the pain extreme, 
and the whole body rigid. 

The treatment indicated is such as will overcome 
the tension, or rigidity, and allay the intense irritation 
[182] 



LOCKJAW. 183 

of the nerves at the seat of injury; and secondarily, 
heal the wound if extensive. 

The treatment should by all means be begun, if pos- 
sible, before the neck and jaw are involved, as the 
chances for success are then much more favorable. 
Administer the vapor-bath ( page 90), after which put 
the patient to bed, and give the spirit vapor-bath 
(page 90), which should be prepared during the ad- 
ministration of the first. The water bag, filled with 
ice-cold water, should be applied to the spine. Inter- 
nally give No. 6, one tablet every two hours. 

About the injury, and including much of the sur- 
rounding part, should be applied a slippery-elm poultice 
which is thoroughly saturated with equal parts of 
laudanum and tincture of aconite root. This allays 
pain and irritation, the opium acting as an anodyne 
and the aconite as a benumber. This treatment should 
be continued for several days. Should the surface be 
much lacerated, it should first be washed with a solu- 
tion of boracic acid. 

If the jaws are locked at the time of beginning treat- 
ment, and the patient can swallow, the internal rem- 
edies may be poured into the mouth between the 
teeth and the cheek, and will find their way into the 
stomach. Liquid nourishment may be administered 
in the same manner. If the patient is unable to 
swallow, nutritive injections should be employed. The 
room should be kept dark, and all noise in and about 
the house avoided. There should be free ventilation, 
as there is usually diminished respiration, but all 
draughts of cold air must be avoided. The attendant 



1 84 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

should be careful not to touch the patient with cold 
hands, or allow anything cold to come in contact with 
the patient after the first application of the cold-water 
bag, as the shock is liable to produce spasm. A 
general opinion prevails that cases of this nature are 
incurable, but we are confident that by the treatment 
here recommended a majority may be successfully re- 
lieved. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

FACE-ACHE. 

THIS is one of the most common forms of neural- 
gia. The pain passes to the cheek, lower eyelid, 
upper lip, and side of the nose, sometimes to the fore- 
head and upper lid, and the eyeball. In dental neural- 
gia the lower jaw is affected, the teeth, gums, and 
tongue. The face or eyelids twitch, and frequently 
become red and swollen and painful to the touch. 
The pain is interrupted and intermittent, face flushed 
or pallid, tongue coated, bowels constipated, appetite 
poor, and rest and sleep disturbed. The face may 
ache between paroxysms. If the teeth are involved, 
no particular one aches, but all on one side in either 
the lower or upper set are painful. There may be 
headache. Sometimes the eye becomes bloodshot, 
tears are copious, and flow down the cheeks, or the 
saliva is increased in quantity. The pains may mi- 
grate from the forehead to the cheek or lower jaw, and 
occasionally one side of the head is left and the other 
attacked. 

For the treatment of this complaint, the general out- 
lines given for neuralgia should be followed. If the 
teeth are decayed, have them extracted or at least 
consult a dentist. If the teeth appear sound and are 



186 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

painful, fill the mouth with either hot or cold water, 
whichever affords relief. A hot sitz-bath (page 91) or 
a hot foot-bath ( page 93) will sometimes give the de- 
sired relief. That however which gives the best results 
is the steam-bath (page 87), keeping the head envel- 
oped with the blanket. The predisposing causes of 
this complaint are treated of under the head of Neu- 
ralgia. For relief of pain, give No. 2, one tablet every 
hour until relieved. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 

A DELICATE mucous membrane covers that part 
of the ball of the eye that can be seen, and is 
the same upon the inside of the lids. Kept continually 
moist, it allows the lids to move and the eyes to turn 
without friction. When this becomes inflamed, it is 
red and painful, the lids are swollen, with red edges, 
and there is great intolerance of light. During the 
night, the eyelids are glued together by the mucous 
discharge. The subject turns from the light, keeps 
the lids closed, or the face covered with the hand, or 
seeks the dark. There is an unpleasant feeling as if 
dust was in the eye. 

Such a condition as we have described may result 
from cold, from substances getting into the eye, burn- 
ing by cinder, and from blows. The lids should be 
frequently bathed with hot water, and in the mean- 
time a wet but light compress bound on. In the 
morning bathe the lids until the glue softens and per- 
mits their easy separation. 

In inflammation of the eyes constant care is neces- 
sary to keep the eyes free from matter. It is poison- 
ous and must be so regarded. It will give the disease 
to others by contact or will involve the well eye, if but 



1 88 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

one is affected. All cloths used for washings or com- 
presses must be burned upon removal. Brushes and 
towels must be handled with care, and thoroughly 
washed in hot water containing sulphate of zinc or 
carbolic acid. The patient should be kept in a dark- 
ened room, and thin compresses wet in cold water 
should be laid upon the eyes, being changed very fre- 
quently so that they may not become warm. A 
greater efficiency may be secured by laying the com- 
presses upon blocks of ice. The room should be well 
ventilated, but care should be taken that the patient's 
eyes are not exposed to draughts of air. The edges 
of the eyelid may be anointed with vaseline, fresh 
butter, or pure sweet oil ; but great care should be 
taken not to irritate them by friction. 
The following solution maybe used to advantage: — 

Boracic acid, 20 grains, 

Sulphate of zinc 8 grains, 

Fluid extract of golden seal, 2 drams, 

Water 4 ounces. 

Mix. 
A few drops of this should be put into the eye every 
day. In case of excessive discharge from the eyes, 
they should be washed every two or three hours with 
this solution. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

GRANULATED LIDS. 

THE inner surface of the eyelids, from the above dis- 
ease and other causes, may become covered with 
little fleshy elevations or excrescences looking very 
much like fish eggs. They keep the color of the mem- 
brane, but when the upper lid is everted, look pale or 
purplish. They irritate the eye and cause it to become 
inflamed. The flow of tears and mucus is increased, 
but as the inflammation abates, this is diminished. 
The vision is cloudy and sensitive. Drooping lids are 
often the result of granulations, which arise largely 
from neglect of treatment of inflammation of the eyes. 
In treatment, the profession agree that caustics are 
necessary for the removal of the granulations. Take 
a piece of blue vitriol, wet it, and rub it smooth on the 
hand; then with the smooth side of the piece, touch 
the ends of the granulations. This should be done 
carefully, with the lid everted as described below. In 
about a week the operation should be repeated. In the 
interim the solution mentioned in the treatment for in- 
flammation of the eyes, may be used to advantage as 
a wash. This solution should be applied directly to 
the affected lids. The mucous membrane of the lower 
lid may be readily examined by instructing the patient 

[189] 



190 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

to glance upward, while the lid is drawn downward. 
It will be found necessary in examining the upper lid, 
however, carefully to take the lashes in the thumb and 
fingers of the hand, and draw the lid out and down- 
ward. Then with the other hand press lightly with 
the fore-finger upon the center of the outside of the 
lid, and turn upward slowly. After two or three trials, 
one can become quite efficient, and readily turn the lid. 
This practice proves serviceable in assisting to remove 
particles from the eye, such as dirt, cinders etc. 

Particular attention should be given to diet during 
this treatment, as laid down in the chapter on this sub- 
ject. Give one tablet of No. 5 three times a day, as 
a systemic tonic. 



CHAPTER XL. 

STYES AND COLDSORES. 

THE stye is a small, boil-like tumor, located upon 
the edge of the eyelid. In aggravated cases the 
whole eyelid becomes affected. They usually return, 
and frequently there are several after the first one. 
They are commonly the result of disordered digestion. 
In the beginning of the difficulty, hot fomentations ap- 
plied over the stye will frequently cause them to dis- 
appear without coming to a head. In connection 
with this the steam-bath (page 8?) can be used to ad- 
vantage. By this means the poisonous elements are 
eliminated from the system, preventing a recurrence 
of the styes. The edges of the lids should be anointed 
with vaseline or sweet cream. Attention to the diet 
is, of course, essential. 

COLD SORES. 

These consist of an eruption of patches of little blis- 
ters around the mouth. They are sometimes called 
fever blisters. The eruption is usually accompanied 
by smarting and itching, together with fever and in- 
flammation. This can best be checked in the begin- 
ning by the application of spirits of camphor to each 
blister. Hot fomentations laid over the eruption will 
take the fever and soreness out. The hot steam-bath 
(page 87), enveloping the head also, will frequently 

prove very beneficial. 

[191] 



CHAPTER XLI. 

FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EYE. 

FINE dust will float in the atmosphere, will become 
moistened, and collect in the corner toward the 
nose, where it can be removed by the finger-tip. 
Sand and cinders are more obstinate, do not soften 
with moisture, and hence each particle must be sepa- 
rately removed. They will be found upon the ball or 
lid. The motion of the upper lid causes their sharp 
edges to cut and scratch both the lid and the ball. 
Pressure upon the lid, while it relieves this motion, 
fastens the object more firmly in the delicate tissues. 
The lower lid can be easily everted by placing the 
finger upon the cheek, just below the lid, and drawing 
downwards. A fine camel's-hair brush or the folded 
end of a handkerchief drawn across it, will usually 
sweep them out. If this does not remove all the par- 
ticles, those remaining should be disturbed by some 
sharp instrument, like the blunt end of a needle, and 
the brush again used. 

Most articles collect under the upper lid. This 
should be turned back according to the directions 
given for granulated lids. The particles may then be 
easily seen, and can be removed as above described. 

Steel points, emery, and the like, which are thrown 
with much force against the eye, usually penetrate the 
[192] 



FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EYE. 193 

membrane, and are with difficulty removed. In the 
case of the former, a magnet is the best instrument for 
removing them. In the latter case they should be im- 
mediately removed by the point of a sharp penknife, 
holding the lids apart with the thumb and fore-finger. 
Great care must be taken lest the eye be injured by a 
jerk or other sudden movement of the patient. Some 
persons are unable to keep the ball quiet while under- 
going this operation. Under such circumstances a 
physician should be consulted, and an anesthetic 
should be administered. Bodies penetrating beyond 
the cornea require the surgeon's care. 

When a piece of lime enters, it should be removed 
instantly, and the ball be thoroughly washed. This is 
more important if the lime is unslacked. The wash 
should consist of simple water, or may consist of one 
part of vinegar to three of water, which is better. 

13 



CHAPTER XLII. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE EAR. 

THE ear is one of the wonders of the body, so deli- 
cate and intricate is its mechanism. It is subject 
to numerous diseases, but few of which are amenable" 
to domestic treatment. Some of these will be briefly 
mentioned. 

Inflammation of the ear may involve any part of the 
structure, or beginning in one part, may spread and af- 
fect others. Most commonly it is the result of a cold. 
It is characterized by pain in the ear, which is in- 
creased by pressure, and by noise, as well as by the 
motions of the head and of the lower jaw, and by ex- 
posure to cold air. Headache, uneasiness, some fever, 
and ringing of the ear, accompany it. 

If this is caused by a recent cold, the steam-bath 
(page 8?) should be administered for twenty or twenty- 
five minutes, the patient keeping the head under the 
blanket as much as he can conveniently. The patient 
should be placed in bed, with a hot blanket wrapped 
around the lower limbs, and a hot compress, sprinkled 
with spirits of camphor and secured by a bandage, 
may be applied to the side of the head, completely 
enveloping the ear. In severe cases the fomentation 
should also be applied to the throat. Pouring into 

[i94] 



INFLAMMATION OF THE EAR. 1 95 

the ear laudanum, sweet oil, etc., is of no benefit, but 
is rather liable to do harm. 

Earache. — In a majority of cases, this is due to in- 
flammation, and may be treated in the way just de- 
scribed. After treatment for inflammation or earache, 
the opening to the ear should be closed for a time with 
cotton wool, dipped in a mixture of equal parts of 
olive oil and laudanum. This should be warmed be- 
fore applying. 

Running from the Ear. — This results from long- 
standing inflammation, or may be occasioned by an 
abscess in the auditory canal. It may follow measles 
or scarlet fever, may arise in any portion of the ear, 
and is more prevalent in the debilitated and scrofulous. 
The discharge is sometimes of a mucus nature, and 
sometimes purulent or bloody, and may find its way 
into the throat or outward through the external open- 
ing. When the disease is located in the middle ear, 
the drum is frequently perforated ; there is severe pain 
in the ear, and a sense of fullness, ringing noises, in- 
flamed drum, impaired hearing, usually accompanied 
with nasal catarrh. The popular treatment of nasal 
catarrh by the douche is a frequent cause of this com- 
plaint. 

The ear should be washed out daily with tepid, 
slightly soapy water, by means of the fountain syringe. 
Care should be taken not to use any force, as the 
membrane of the ear maybe injured. If the discharge 
from the ear is offensive, a few grains of boracic acid 
in the water should be used. The atomizer is a valu- 
able aid in the treatment of the ear, and the following 
mixture may be used with it as a spray: — 



196 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

Glycerine 1 ounce, 

Tannin 2 grains. 

This may be applied with the atomizer in the form 
of a spray. 

In the chronic form, the treatment must be con- 
tinued regularly, and for a long time, and even then the 
disease may be intractable. Use two or three times a 
day, with the atomizer, boracic acid, 10 grains, added 
to 4 ounces each of water and glycerine, alternating 
every third day with sulphate of zinc, 5 to 10 grains, 
warm water, 4 ounces. 

The vapor-bath (page 90), in recent cases, should 
be taken in the beginning, and in cases of long stand- 
ing, should be taken about twice a week. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE EAR 
AND NOSE. 

CHILDREN have quite a habit of putting peas, 
beans, cherry-stones, beads, and the like, in the 
nose and ears. To most who have not considered the 
subject, the removal seems difficult. The great fault 
seems to lie in using instruments for the purpose of 
pulling out the obstruction, the result being that it is 
pushed in until it presses upon the drum, causing great 
pain. Nothing should be introduced, unless perhaps 
two or three drops of oil. Place the child upon your 
knees, with the ear containing the article downward, 
and by a sudden blow upon the head just above the 
opposite ear, it will usually fall to the ground. Some- 
times a second blow is necessary. Should this fail, a 
thin wire loop may be passed with gi eat care behind 
the substance, and by this means the object be re- 
moved. Insects are best removed by filling the ear 
with warm oil, when they will float to the surface. 

Substances introduced into the nose may be re- 
moved by several methods. One is to place the child, 
face downward, upon your lap, closing the mouth with 
one hand, and striking a sharp blow upon the back of 
the head with the other. Another is, closing the free 

[197] 



198 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

nostril with the finger (which compels the child to 
breathe through the mouth), take a deep inspiration 
and suddenly and forcibly blow into the child's mouth. 
Extreme care should be taken if the attempt is made, 
as a last resort, to extract the object with instruments. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

MUMPS. 

THIS is a tumerous swelling and inflammation of 
the parotid glands, situated just under the ear. 
This gland secretes saliva, which is carried by a minute 
canal to about the center of the cheek, and emptied 
into the mouth. One gland or both may be affected. 
This is usually a disease of childhood, but occasionally 
adults are attacked. It is generally believed to be 
contagious, and is frequently epidemic. The period 
of time which usually elapses after exposure before the 
symptoms of the disease appear, is from six to four- 
teen days. It usually comes on with a slight chill, fol- 
lowed by light fever, continuing for two or three days. 
The swelling of the gland then appears, behind the 
angle of the jaw. Usually one side is first affected, the 
swelling then extending to the other side. The pa- 
tient suffers little or no pain when at rest, but there is 
considerable pain and difficulty experienced when eat- 
ing. The disease usually lasts from a week to ten 
days, unless suppuration takes place, in which case the 
gland becomes of a dark red color, very much inflamed, 
and pus forms, which is discharged through the outer 
opening of the ear, or through the salivary duct into 
the mouth. This disease has one peculiarity; it may 

[199] 



200 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

change location. From exposure or other cause, it 
may locate in the breast of the female, or in the testi- 
cles of the male. 

Keep the person from exposure, give warm enema, 
then administer the vapor-bath (page 90) for fifteen 
or twenty minutes. For relief of the fever, the sponge- 
bath ( page 92) should be taken at least two or three 
times a day. Cool or cold compresses should be ap- 
plied to the neck, varying the temperature according 
to the intensity of the inflammation. These should be 
alternated occasionally for fifteen or twenty minutes" 
at a time, that the cold may not become painful. 
Plenty of cold water should be drunk, varied occasion- 
ally with weak, unsweetened lemonade. The diet 
should consist wholly of fruits, grains, or gruel. If 
there is any tendency to constipation, it should be re- 
lieved with the enema. If there is an indication of the 
forming of pus in the swollen gland, the cold applica- 
tions should be discontinued, and hot fomentations 
only applied. When pus has formed, it should be re- 
lieved by means of the lancet. The formation of pus 
will be indicated by the middle of the swelling feeling 
soft to the touch. If there is much fever, give one 
tablet of No. 1 every two hours, for thirty-six hours. 



CHAPTER XLV. 

TONSILITIS OR QUINSY. 

AS the name implies, this is an acute inflammation of 
the glands above the roots of the tongue and on 
either side of the throat. But one is usually affected, 
though both maybe, and sometimes are. There is pain 
and swelling, both increasing in severity as the dis- 
ease advances. Sometimes the pain will dart upward 
toward the ear or forward along the jaw. As the 
swelling increases, swallowing becomes more difficult, 
and occasionally respiration is impeded. The person 
becomes feverish and complains of headache. If the 
swelling is so great as to interfere with the circulation 
of the blood to and from the head, the aching is more 
severe. Later, pronounced throbbing is perceived, 
due to the presence of pus. If the pus is in the front, 
a white spot is easily seen. Coughing may be present. 
On attempting to swallow anything, a spasmodic ac- 
tion of the throat repels it. The inflammation may 
spread to both the hard and soft palate. The tongue 
is coated, the secretions of the mouth tenacious, and 
the breath offensive. 

It is distinguished from diphtheria by a greater in- 
crease in the size of the tonsil, and by the false mem- 
brane of diphtheria spreading in all directions, while in 

[201] 



202 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

tonsilitis only the white spot or spots, which show the 
location of the pus, appear, and these are stationary 
and do not spread. 

The treatment indicated is such as to relieve the 
inflammation, and, if possible, prevent the formation of 
pus, and if matter does form, to relieve the gland. 

There are some persons who are subject to periodic 
attacks of this disease, and who are therefore able to 
note its approach in its earliest stages. If these very 
early symptoms of feverishness and redness and swell- 
ing of the tonsils, with difficulty of swallowing, be no- 
ticed, a large enema should at once be taken, and the 
steam-bath ( page 8?) should be administered for from 
twenty to thirty minutes, according to the vigor of the 
patient. The head should be held under the blankets, 
and the steam inhaled to a considerable extent. Small 
pieces of ice should be held in the throat after the pa- 
tient has been cooled from the bath, and the ice com- 
press ( page 96) should be applied about the neck. A 
tea made from slippery elm may be drunk, or the 
throat may be gargled with it. This will relieve its 
dryness. After the first stages of the disease, the cold 
applications should be discontinued, and alternate hot 
and cold applications be made to the throat. The 
sponge-bath ( page 92) should be applied to the body 
to lower the temperature, the same as in other fevers. 
Should there be indications of suppuration, the cold 
applications should be discontinued, and hot fomenta- 
tions only be employed. Should the white spots in 
the throat become prominent, showing the presence of 
pus, the termination of the disease may be hastened 



TONSILITIS. 203 

by lancing the spots, and allowing the pus to escape. 
During the progress of this disease, the patient will 
find extreme difficulty in swallowing solid food. The 
strength may be kept up by the use of graham gruels, 
or soft food of like nature. Give one tablet of No. 1 
every two hours for about two days, or while patient 
has high fever, and for a gargle, use equal parts of salt 
water and vinegar. The throat may be sprayed with 
same solution with the atomizer. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

CHOKING, AND FOREIGN BODIES IN THE 

ESOPHAGUS. 

FOREIGN bodies in the esophagus are not very, 
rare. Sometimes false teeth are swallowed, 
which usually lodge near the stomach. In case of 
thickening of its walls, even food may be stopped. 
When the canal is partly closed, fluids will pass with 
pain and difficulty; but when the closure is complete, 
swallowing is impossible. Cancer of the stomach, 
about the end of the esophagus, causes stricture and 
eventually closure. Foreign bodies may be dislodged 
by full draughts of slippery elm tea. If they pass into 
the stomach, keep on giving the tea, and administer a 
cathartic. If the drink has no effect, give an emetic, 
or with the head dependent, tickle the fauces until 
vomiting results. In dangerous cases the surgeon 
employs tongs shaped for the purpose, or a probe with 
flexible handle and stem long enough to reach into the 
stomach. At the end of the stem is a ball to which a 
circle of bristles is tied, with ends directed backward 
and outward. It is readily passed into the stomach; 
the reverse motion, it is evident, must carry all before 
it. In case of stricture, only fluid food can be taken. 
When meat closes a strictured esophagus, it may be 

[204] 



CHOKING. 205 

digested where it is by pepsin. In complete closure, 
the food must be fluid and must be forced into the rec- 
tum. In this way life has been prolonged for months. 

Persons who have taken poison may be able to swal- 
low, but will not. Tie their hands behind them, pry 
open the mouth, and pass an emetic through a cathe- 
ter into the esophagus. The catheter will answer the 
same purpose if introduced through the nostril. 

Spasmodic stricture, or temporary inability to swal- 
low, is a symptom of some disease. Among those may 
be named, flatulence, angina of the heart, hysteria, and 
spinal irritation. 

False teeth, fishbones, pins, needles, coins, etc., 
lodged in the throat, may be removed by pounding 
upon the upper part of the back while bending the 
body forward. Another way is to open the mouth 
wide in a strong light, grasp the tongue with a nap- 
kin, pull well forward, and use forceps or pinchers. A 
hook may do to carry it to the mouth, where it is un- 
der control 



CHAPTER XLVII. 

DIPHTHERIA. 

ON account of the malignity of this disease, its 
great prevalence, and the mortality it causes 
among children, we devote considerable space to its 
consideration and description. This disease is highly 
infectious, and extreme caution should be used in 
isolating the patient, and in the use of disinfectants. 
The predisposing causes to this disease are to be found 
in the general habits of life which are common to the 
people of our country. There is a wonderful similar- 
ity in the diet of children, the food being essentially 
the same and also its manner of preparation. The use 
of flesh meats and fried foods, with fats and sweets and 
condiments, prepare the system for the ravages of this 
disease. Added to this are the evils of confinement 
for many hours in improperly heated and poorly ven- 
tilated schoolrooms. To these predisposing causes 
must also be added that of dress. Statistics show that 
the disease is prevalent among females in the ratio of 
about three to one as compared to males. 

The method of dressing girls undoubtedly has much 

to do with this. Boys usually have warm stockings 

and heavy shoes, whereas the stockings of girls are 

thin, and the shoes light. The drawers and skirts 

[206] 



DIPHTHERIA. 207 

reaching but to the knee, leave the lower limbs ex- 
posed to change of temperature, and frequently the 
neck and upper part of the body are in a similar ex- 
posed condition. 

The tendency of these conditions is to drive the 
blood from the external surface to the inner surfaces, 
producing congestions of the mucous membrane, which 
terminate in diphtheria. It is true that the active 
cause of diphtheria is a specific germ, but unless the 
germ finds a congenial soil in which to thrive, it cannot 
exist and multiply. 

This disease, in many respects, closely resembles 
membranous croup, erysipelas, or scarlet fever. We 
have endeavored, however, in our description of these 
maladies, to point out wherein these diseases differ. 
In the first stages the person experiences fever or chill 
or alternate chill and heat and great physical depres- 
sion. The tongue is coated, breath offensive, and 
throat sore. In slight cases, the sore throat may con- 
stitute the whole difficulty. In a short time little 
whitish spots appear upon the inflamed surface, which 
spread rapidly, covering the whole mucous surface with 
a tough thready membrane. This differs from the 
membrane in membranous croup, as the latter is de- 
tachable. In diphtheria the false membrane forms 
in the mucous surface, and is firmly attached to it. 
When detached, it often leaves a bleeding surface. 
This false membrane is white at first, but soon becomes 
gray, and then black, on account of atmospheric action 
and the admixture of blood. In severe attacks it is 
spread over the larynx downward through the air pas- 



208 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

sages, sometimes reaching the minute bronchial tubes, 
and may be generated upon all mucous surfaces and 
canals, even lining the bloodvessels. This shows that 
the germs may find lodgment and affect different parts 
of the system, but the disease is usually manifested in 
the throat and air passages. 

On the first suspicion or indication that the person 
has this disease, prompt measures should be taken for 
its relief. Much depends on being prompt in the be- 
ginning. There can no harm arise from the methods 
used in the treatment of this disease, even if the diag- 
nosis should be incorrect, and the disorder develop 
into something else. 

The patient should be placed in the hot full bath 
(page 86), or in the absence of facilities for this, use 
the steam-bath (page 87). The duration of the bath 
should be governed by the age and vitality of the pa- 
tient. After the bath, the surface should be rubbed 
briskly, the patient placed in a warm bed, and cold 
compresses placed around the neck. The soreness in 
the throat can be greatly alleviated in the beginning 
by keeping small pieces of ice in the mouth or swal- 
lowing them. 

As diphtheria is pre-eminently a local disease, local 
treatments are very important in its management. 
The atomizer which is furnished with this outfit, is 
an article that ought to be in every family, as it is 
invaluable for use in the treatment of this disease. 
There are numerous articles which may be recom- 
mended for gargling or spraying the throat with the 
atomizer. A half pint of equal parts of good vinegar 



DIPHTHERIA. 209 

and water, with a teaspoonful of common salt added, 
or the clear juice of a lemon, may be used. If a drug 
store is near, a few drams of chlorate of potash can be 
secured, and a strong solution made by pouring on hot 
water. When cooled sufficiently, use with the atom- 
izer, or gargle the throat. In the absence of an 
atomizer, if the patient is a child, this can be used with 
a soft swab. The mouth and throat should be well 
cleansed with the chlorate of potash solution previous 
to taking medicine, food, or drink. 

In this disease there is great tendency to congestion 
of the head, throat, and inner surfaces. Therefore, in 
the treatment means should be employed to equalize 
the circulation. The extremities should be kept warm 
by means of the hot-water bag and warm blankets. 
The vapor-bath, as given in bed (page 90), can be 
used to good advantage in this disease. It may be ap- 
plied once or twice a day for several days, or until the 
disease is eliminated. 

For removal of the false membrane, the following 
may be used: — 

Canada pitch, 1 dram, 

Hot water, 1 ounce. 

Dissolve by stirring, and use when cold, every half 
hour. This may be applied preferably with the atom- 
izer or by the use of a swab made by tying to a stick 
a soft piece of linen, the edge of which has been 
raveled. It will do no harm to swallow this mixture. 
Great care should be taken in applying it with the 
swab, do not attempt to tear the membrane loose, as 
the mucous surface may be injured, in which case the 

[14] 



2IO THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

membrane will surely form again. In addition to other 
local applications, the throat may be sprayed with 
equal parts of tincture of iron and water three or four 
times each day. 

The inhalation of hot steam will be very beneficial 
in relieving the tension and sense of fullness in the 
throat. A teakettle filled with boiling water may be 
placed near the patient, and a paper made into a cor- 
nucopia or cone placed over the spout with the small 
end in the patient's mouth. Care should be taken, of_ 
course, that a direct draught is not made upon the hot 
steam. 

The drinking of pure soft water should be encour- 
aged as much as possible. It is better to give little 
or no food during the first day or two. After this, the 
food should be of a very nutritious character, such as 
graham, corn-meal or rice gruels, or soft graham toast 
without butter. The juices of ripe fruit may be used 
freely, but there should be little or no sugar added. 
Unsweetened lemonade may be used freely. 

The patient should be kept very quiet, as free from 
all disturbance as possible, the room darkened, and 
kept well ventilated. There should be the utmost 
care taken in the isolation of the patient and in the 
use of disinfectants. The same rules should be fol- 
lowed out in this respect as noted in the chapter on 
Scarlet Fever. While the patient has much fever, 
give remedy No. I, one tablet every two hours for 
twenty-four hours; then give remedy No. 6, one tablet 
every three hours; and during convalescence give 
remedy No. 5, one tablet three times a day. 



CHAPTER XLVIIL 

FAINTING, OR SWOONING. 

THIS is caused by the blood leaving the brain or 
by its not being supplied properly. The person 
suddenly becomes pale and falls, losing sensation and 
the control of the muscles. The heart beats feebly, 
and the breathing appears to be suspended or is car- 
ried on tardily. It is a symptom of a weak condition 
of the nervous system, and finds its cause in whatever 
tends to produce this debility. Protracted fever, great 
loss of blood in labor or by other means, will some- 
times cause alarming fainting. Some are so consti- 
tuted that they cannot bear the sight of blood, the 
smell of disagreeable odors, or any unusual surprise or 
other source of mental emotion, without fainting. Se- 
vere pain will sometimes produce faintness. 

The effort should be made to assist nature to restore 
the circulation of blood. This is best accomplished by 
laying the patient down upon the floor, ground, or any 
level place that is near by and convenient. Do not 
keep a fainting person sitting in a chair and expect by 
vigorous fanning to resuscitate. Place upon the back 
the first thing, and they will revive in less than half 
the time. A place near a window or door or in the 
open air is preferable. Water sprinkled upon the face 

[211] 



212 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

is effective. Ammonia applied to the nostrils is also 
of value. Stimulants may be administered as soon as 
the patient is able to swallow. In common cases this 
will not be necessary, but in repeated faintings, follow- 
ing loss of blood, every effort must be made to sustain 
the flagging vitality. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

COLDS AND COUGHS. 

IN the chapter entitled " Causes of Disease," we have 
endeavored to place before the reader the predis- 
posing causes which render one liable to take cold. 
Persons that live healthfully as regards diet and bath- 
ing are almost exempt from colds. It is much better 
to try to avoid those conditions which render us sus- 
ceptible to colds. 

Almost without exception colds are the result of 
carelessness. A little care, even if the system is pre- 
disposed to colds, would save much trouble and sick- 
ness. Colds come from the sudden lowering of the 
temperature of the body, either in whole or in part. 
Perhaps there has been vigorous exercise or labor 
sufficient to bring about sensible perspiration. On 
account of clothing, the feeling is uncomfortable ; we 
seek a draught of air or shady retreat for rest and 
cooling, and the result is a cold. Perspiration should 
be evaporated but slowly. Do not endeavor to cool 
off suddenly, avoid draughts of air when heated, do 
not stand still in the winter so as to become chilled, 
but keep up a circulation by walking. The wearing 
of mufflers about the neck is a pernicious habit. It 
makes the throat tender, and on their removal one is 

[213] 



214 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

extremely liable to take cold. Cold is frequently 
taken by inhaling cold air through the mouth. Keep 
the mouth shut, and breathe through the nose. Be 
careful of your feet in cold, damp weather, have thick 
soles on your shoes, and in cold, wet, slushy weather 
wear overshoes. 

All colds affect the system but in one way, namely, 
by contracting the skin. The blood is drawn from 
the surface, and some internal organ congested. The 
congestion usually takes place in the weakest organ, 
whether it be the throat, the lungs, kidneys, or else- 
where. In the beginning, the congestion is very easily 
removed. Later, it becomes more difficult as the 
tendency is toward inflammation. The severest cold 
can be relieved in a few minutes if taken right at the 
beginning. Delay generally means danger, therefore 
we emphasize the early treatment of colds. The 
patient should take the steam-bath (page 8?) from 
twenty to thirty minutes, with the feet in hot water, 
drinking three or four glasses of hot, unsweetened lem- 
onade. If the cold settles in the head, and there is a 
feeling of tightness in the forehead, the head should 
be kept under the blankets as much as possible during 
the administration of the bath. After the bath, if 
possible, the patient should lie in bed a few hours with 
the hot-water bag to the feet. Should there be cough 
in connection with the cold, use remedy No. 2 as fol- 
lows : One tablet every two hours for first day ; then 
if cough continues, and becomes tight, give one tablet 
of No. 9 every hour or two until it loosens up, and the 
mucus begins to be raised. Follow this for a few days 
with remedy No. 6, one tablet every three hours. 



CHAPTER L. 

CROUP. 

CROUP is of two kinds, the false and the true. In 
the former there are feverish symptoms, hot skin, 
flushed face, and frequent coughing, which is hoarse, 
as noticed usually with a heavy cold, but in addition, 
is accompanied with a loud shrill noise at each inspira- 
tion. This sound, so peculiar, is the characteristic of 
the disease. The paroxysm comes on without warn- 
ing, except it maybe a slight indisposition, manifested 
by restlessness upon retiring, the child waking up sud- 
denly, alarmed and distressed for breath. After awhile 
this spasmodic action of the larynx subsides, and the 
child falls asleep. The attack may be repeated later 
in the night or at the same hour the following night. 
In the mean time all symptoms of the disease disappear. 
True croup is better known as membranous croup. 
There is some spasm, but the principal feature is the 
amount of inflammation in the throat, which causes a 
false membrane to be formed. This membrane not 
only covers that part of the throat which can be seen, 
but extends downward into the bronchial tubes. The 
symptoms, particularly at the outset, are identical with 
those of false croup, but differ in intensity. The hoarse 
voice, the difficult breathing, the ringing cough, the 

[215] 



2l6 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

crowing expiration, and high fever are present. As 
the disease advances, appetite is lost; the voice, hoarse 
at first, becomes less and less distinct, until finally it 
is lost. The cough may at times dislodge pieces of the 
membrane, but, unless relief is had, the air passage is 
closed, and the child dies of suffocation. 

This disease can be distinguished without difficulty 
from diphtheria by the sharp cough, the husky voice, 
and the paroxysm of difficult breathing. The steam- 
bath (page Sy) should be applied in the beginning, 
together with hot fomentations to the throat. Inter- 
nally administer a large warm-water enema, then give 
two tablets of remedy No. 4. Repeat the dose in an 
hour. This is for the purpose of evacuating the bow- 
els freely. 

This treatment will be applicable whether the dis- 
ease is true or false. Place the patient in bed after 
rubbing thoroughly dry, and put the hot-water bottle 
to the feet. In false croup this is usually all that is 
necessary to do. If there is considerable fever, the 
membranous variety may be suspected. In this case 
use the following internal treatment. Give of No. 2, 
one tablet every two hours. If the child chokes badly, 
it is oftentimes beneficial to give an emetic of pulver- 
ized alum. Give one half teaspoonful, and if it does 
not have the desired result in a half hour, repeat the 
dose. Continue the application of the hot compresses 
thoroughly. Should this not afford quick relief, the 
hot compresses should be exchanged for cold ones, 
and even the ice treatment may be used, as recom- 
mended for diphtheria. Relief will also be obtained 



CROUP. 217 

by the inhalation of steam, as recommended for the 
same disease. The chlorate-of-potash solution, ap- 
plied by means of the atomizer, is an excellent 
remedy for separation of the false membrane; or the 
solution of Canada pitch can be used, as directed 
for diphtheria. 



CHAPTER LI. 

BRONCHITIS. 

THIS is an inflammation of the lining membrane of 
the air tubes connecting the throat and lungs. 
A cold on the chest may be a slight bronchitis; it may 
be acute and severe, dangerous in infancy and ad- 
vanced age, or chronic, lasting for years, and termi- 
nating in consumption. The cold settling in this 
locality differs from others in the deep-seated pain and 
feeling, the greater amount of coughing required to 
dislodge mucus, and the hoarseness. The acute dis- 
ease is more formidable. There are chilly sensations, 
fever, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, thirst, 
difficult and noisy breathing, hoarseness, with dry, 
harsh, and painful cough, followed in a few days by 
expectoration of mucus, sometimes streaked with 
blood, and general depression. It sometimes follows 
scarlet fever. 

Acute attacks should be treated the same as colds 
(which see), with the addition of hot fomentations to 
the chest. Internally use remedy No. i, one tablet 
every two hours for one day, then give No. 6, one tab- 
let every three hours until relieved. For the relief of 
the obstinate cough that usually accompanies this 
complaint, use one tablet of No. 9 every two hours. 
[218] 



CHAPTER LII. 

WHOOPING-COUGH. 

THIS is a cough peculiar to infancy and childhood, 
and rarely attacks adults. It is considered con- 
tagious, but fortunately seldom occurs but once. A 
cough having no uncommon symptom at first, is 
noticed in a week or ten days to become severe and 
protracted. The child appears unable to get breath 
for a painfully long time. The face is bloated and red 
with blood during the paroxysm, blood-vessels dis- 
tended, eyes prominent. The child runs and grasps 
its parent or nurse and, after several convulsive ex- 
piratory efforts, a deep, peculiar, noisy inspiration fol- 
lows, and perhaps a little mucus is raised. This rapid 
and sonorous inspiration is called a whoop, and gives 
the name to the disease. These paroxysms, so dis- 
tressing both to the patient and observer, may occur 
only in the evening, or three or four times daily, if the 
case is a mild one, or when severe, every half hour or 
oftener. It lasts one or two months, and gradually 
wears away. It is seldom dangerous, and only be- 
comes so when some complication, like pneumonia, 
sets in. It racks and strains the system severly, and 
may lay the foundation for lung and brain diseases, 
although it may not actually produce them. 

[219] 



220 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

If whooping-cough is prevalent in the neighborhood, 
and you have reason to believe your children have 
been exposed, on the first appearance of colds the 
vapor-bath (page 90) treatment should be employed. 
This frequently may avert the malady. After it has 
become established, the use of the chlorate-of-potash 
solution with the atomizer, as recommended in diph- 
theria, can be used to advantage in dislodging the 
mucus from the throat. Warm fomentations may be 
applied to the throat and chest. 

The most efficient remedy for whooping-cough is a 
strong tea made from the red-clover plant and blossom. 
This maybe used either in the green or dried form. 
It should be prepared by steeping, and sweetened, 
with the addition of a little milk if preferred, and taken 
as a drink four or five times a day. It usually cures 
the disease in a few days. With infants it will be 
necessary to make the tea weaker, and use a smaller 
quantity. Also give one tablet of No. 2 every three 
hours and repeat oftener if needed. 



CHAPTER LIII. 

PLEURISY ; PNEUMONIA ; LUNG FEVER. 

WE place pleurisy and pneumonia under the same 
heading, and will describe the symptoms sepa- 
ately, but the treatment should be the same practi- 
cally for either. Pleurisy is an inflammation of the 
lining membrane of the chest, results from colds and 
exposure, suddenly checked respiration, and other 
causes which constrict the skin and congest internal 
parts. In some instances the disease is confined to 
that part covering the internal walls of the chest ; but 
being so closely connected with the lungs, these organs 
seldom escape the effects of the spreading inflamma- 
tion. The principal symptom of pleurisy is a sharp, 
cutting pain just within the ribs, not always constant 
but occurring always upon taking a long breath or 
coughing, and sometimes upon attempting to speak. 
With this pain there are generally feverish symptoms 
(though slight in comparison with pneumonia), feeble 
but hurried respiration, and usually a short, dry, hack- 
ing cough. Should a part of one or both lungs become 
affected, the expectoration may change from a frothy 
to a mucous character, and even be streaked with 
blood. When both the membrane and the lungs are 
involved, we have to a greater or less extent the corn- 
eal] 



222 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

bined symptoms of pleurisy and pneumonia. This is 
what is termed pleuro-pneumonia. 

As the pleuritic inflammation continues, one or both 
of two things may happen. Either these portions 
which touch and slip upon each other in health, ad- 
here, or dropsy may supervene. In the first instance, 
upon applying the ear to the chest, a sound as of fric- 
tion will be noticed. In the second, the side becomes 
enlarged, the space between the ribs less distinct, and 
from the density of the fluid, respiration in the lung 
may be lost to the listening ear. 

It is distinguished from pneumonia by having its 
characteristic sharp pain, its dry cough, and the 
swollen side. 

Pneumonia, or acute inflammation of the lung sub- 
stance, is a serious disorder, though its fatality has 
been diminished by improved methods of treatment. 
The disease is commonly ushered in by restlessness. 
This may be sometimes overlooked by the patient, 
but at the end of one to three days is followed by a 
marked chill, soon followed by nausea, cough, pain in 
the side, distressed breathing, a pulse reaching to 140 
or even 160 beats in a minute, burning heat of the 
skin, thirst, loss of appetite, prostration, headache, 
and sometimes transient delirium. Each case of pneu- 
monia may be said to consist of four stages : First, 
congestion of the pulmonary membrane, with dryness ; 
second, the affected part of the lung becomes seriously 
congested with blood, the air passages and small bron- 
chial tubes become coated with a sticky mucus, which 
produces a crackling sound, easily heard if the attend- 



PNEUMONIA. 223 

ant listens with the ear over the lung. This is always 
accompanied with pain in the portion affected. In the 
third stage, the air cells become filled with a tenacious 
mucus, the spongy character of the lung is changed, 
and the texture becomes hard and solid. On percus- 
sion, the sound is dull over the whole of the affected 
parts. 

Advancing still further we have the fourth stage of 
pneumonia, or that of purulent infiltration. In this 
condition the matter in the air cells becomes liquefied 
and is absorbed, parts of the lungs, however, remain- 
ing dense and solid. There are no physical signs of 
this stage until parts of the lungs break down, and the 
pus is expectorated. If the inflammation subsides be- 
fore this fourth stage, as it fortunately often does, then 
the fever disturbances decrease, the temperature drops 
toward its normal standard, the cough becomes less 
irritable, the general distress is mitigated, and recov- 
ery is assured. 

Pneumonia may affect one or both lungs, or techni- 
cally speaking, it may be double or single. The right 
lung suffers nearly twice as often as the left. The 
lower lobes are more subject to inflammation than the 
upper. The treatment necessary for these cases is 
such as will reduce the inflammation, open the organs 
of secretion, control the fever, and prevent the harden- 
ing of the lungs. During the chilly period the patient 
should be placed in the warm, full bath (page 86), for 
twenty or thirty minutes. A large, warm enema 
should be given to relieve the bowels, and three or 
four glasses of hot lemonade should be drunk. After 



224 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

coming out of the bath, the patient should be placed 
in bed, with the hot-water bag to the feet. 

Should the period of the chill pass without giving 
the patient treatment, the hot water should be omitted, 
the patient placed in bed, and the treatments used 
which will reduce the fever. The cool sponge-bath 
(page 92) should be used, or the wet-sheet pack (page 
94). The bowels should be emptied by means of a 
copious enema, afterward injecting from half a pint to 
a pint of cold water into the bowels. The cold enema 
should be largely relied upon in this malady for the 
reduction of the temperature. The temperature of 
the water should be from 40 to 6o°. If the surface 
becomes cold, apply hot fomentations. The use of 
alternate hot and cold compresses over the lungs will 
greatly facilitate the loosening of the mucus. Inter- 
nally administer remedy No. 1, one tablet every hour 
for first two days, while fever is high. During the 
second stage, give remedy No. 6, one tablet every 
three hours ; and when fever subsides, if patient is 
weak, give one tablet of remedy No. 10 every four 
hours. Also give remedy No. 5, one tablet three times 
each day. 

The patient should have plenty of warm lemonade 
to drink, without sugar. At night a large linseed- 
meal poultice, made by pouring boiling water on the 
meal, should be applied to the chest and side affected. 
This should be repeated for two or three nights. 

Thorough ventilation is of importance, and the room 
should be kept cool. The diet should be the same as 
recommended for Fever. 



CHAPTER LIV. 

COLIC. 

THIS is not so much a disease as a symptom of 
some painful derangement of the stomach or 
bowels. The treatment, therefore, is largely confined 
to the relief of the pain. The pains are sharp and oc- 
casional, may be in any part of the bowels, but are 
mostly around the navel. There may be nausea, vom- 
iting, bloating from wind, some tenderness, cramping 
of the muscles into hard knots, or cold sweats; more 
than one of these symptoms being present in every 
attack. Colic in infants is produced by wind, indiges- 
tion, or improper and indigestible food. Flatulent, or 
wind colic in adults is of the same nature, the wind 
sometimes accumulating so as greatly to disturb the 
abdomen. Bilious colic depends upon the presence of 
bile in large quantities. It flows back into the stom- 
ach, causing heat, a burning sensation, and vomiting 
of a yellow or greenish matter. Painters' colic arises 
from the absorption into the system of the lead used 
in painting, or from the handling of the same metal. 
There is also a species of colic due to obstruction in 
the bowels, in which case vomiting is always present, 
and the constipation is obstinate. The presence of 
worms in children may lead to colic. 

15 [225] 



226 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

Colic in infants may be relieved by the sipping of 
hot water and the application of hot fomentations to 
the bowels. As infantile colic is due to indiscretions 
in diet, the specific cause should be sought out and 
remedied. The most common cause is that of too fre- 
quent feeding. Infants should be fed but three or 
four times a day. The adoption of this rule, with the 
use of proper food, will render the infant free from 
colic. 

For flatulent colic in adults, give a glass of hot lem- 
onade or hot water, apply hot fomentations to the ab- 
domen, and give a copious hot-water enema. Bilious 
colic may be treated in the same way. In case of 
vomiting, the hot-water drinking should be repeated. 
When vomiting is obstinate, the hot-water enemas 
will relieve it. Should there be suspicion of obstruc- 
tions in the bowels, caused by hernia or the swallow- 
ing of some indigestible substance, a competent 
physician should be summoned without delay. For 
relief of pain, give a few doses of remedy No. y, one 
tablet every hour until patient is easy, then dis- 
continue its use. 

Pain in the Stomach. — This may frequently be re- 
lieved by drinking a glass of hot water. Should it 
not readily respond to this, apply hot fomentations 
( P a g e 96) over the part affected, and give remedy No. 
7, one tablet every hour until relief is obtained. 



CHAPTER LV. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

THE chapter entitled Digestion will give the reader 
a general idea of the construction of the surface 
of the bowels. An inflammation of the mucous coating 
of the bowels gives rise to such conditions as are dis- 
cussed under the titles of Diarrhea and Dysentery. 
The symptoms of inflammation of the bowels are acute 
and constant pain in the abdomen, usually about the 
navel, aggravated at intervals, tenderness upon pres- 
sure, chill sometimes, high fever, and great thirst. 
There is loss of appetite, nausea, and perhaps vomit- 
ing. The passages from the bowels vary; may be 
coated with mucus, offensive, or bloody, or constipa- 
tion may be present. The most alarming cases are 
those which result from obstructions in the bowels, 
when labored breathing, bloating of the abdomen, hic- 
cough, exhaustion, and death may follow. It can be 
distinguished from colic by the tenderness of the ab- 
domen and the increased pain on pressure, both absent 
in colic. This disturbance may be caused by cold, in- 
jury, or inflammation of some of the glands connected 
with the bowels, or may be caused by long-continued 
colic. Hernia or other obstructions may be the source 
of difficulty. The cause should be carefully sought 

[227] 



228 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

out, and if occasioned by either of the two latter, should 
have the immediate attention of a competent physician. 

The patient should have absolute rest. The spirit 
vapor-bath (page 90) should be administered in bed, 
and if the abdomen is not too tender, hot fomentations 
should be applied. These should afterward be changed 
for the cold compress wrung out of ice-cold water and 
changed frequently. The patient should take inwardly 
No. 6, one tablet every two hours. 

The bowels should be cleansed with a copious warm- 
water enema; afterward cold water should be injected 
into the bowel, from four to six ounces being used. 
The diet should consist entirely of liquid substances — 
gruels, or rice boiled until very soft. 



CHAPTER LVI. 

PERITONITIS. 

THIS is an inflammation of the membrane lining 
the abdominal walls and covering the intestines. 
It is more dangerous and more frequently fatal than 
enteritis or inflammation of the bowels, which we have 
just described. It bears a close resemblance to this 
latter disease. The prominent symptoms are exten- 
sive and severe pain in the abdomen and tenderness, 
the former increased by the slightest motion or pres- 
sure, its distention by gas, and afterward also by fluids. 
There are throbbing headache, great thirst, nausea 
and vomiting sometimes, high fever, with rapid, wiry 
pulse, dry skin, and short respiration, limited to pre- 
vent disturbance of the bowels and hence the increase 
of pain. The course of the disease is rapid. In a few 
days the distention of the abdomen has reached its ex- 
treme limits, and dissolution succeeds delirium and 
coma. Peritonitis not unfrequently follows upon delivery 
and abortion, but may originate in injuries or expos- 
ure, or the effects of other diseases, as the perforation 
of the bowels in typhoid fever, or of the stomach in 
ulcer, etc. In these latter cases, collapse is precipi- 
tated and inevitable. 

[229] 



230 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

We begin with an examination for obstructions of 
the bowels, and if discovered or strongly suspected, 
we treat accordingly. In case of recent labor, we treat 
puerperal fever. If it is a clear case of peritonitis, the 
treatment must be active. The course to be pursued 
in this disease is much the same as that for inflamma- 
tion of the bowels. The bowels should be evacuated 
by means of a large enema. Internally, No. 6, one 
tablet every two hours. 

To control the inflammation, we must depend chiefly 
upon the vapor sweat (page 90). This should be 
continued for several hours. Also use cold injections 
to the bowel of four to six ounces of water, every 
hour or two. Absolute quiet of the patient must be 
insisted upon, and for the first twenty-four to forty- 
eight hours, little if any food should be given. The 
same diet prescription as given for inflammation of the 
bowels should be followed. 



CHAPTER LVIL 

CHOLERA INFANTUM. 

THIS is the most fatal disease among infants in 
cities during the summer, and is due largely to 
the food, the air, and the surroundings. The babe is 
nursed too frequently, and too irregularly; and where 
not nursed naturally, too little heed is paid to the con- 
dition of the nursing bottle or the character of its 
contents. 

Cholera infantum is undoubtedly due in many cases 
to a specific germ found in decayed milk. This forms 
very rapidly in hot weather. With infants who are 
fed by artificial nursing, too much care cannot be 
taken in the thorough cleansing and sterilization of 
everything connected with its food. 

Infantile cholera usually accompanies the cutting of 
teeth. The diarrhea first appears, and may be slight 
or profuse; the discharges are thin and light-colored, 
or greenish, seldom yellowish. They soon increase in 
frequency, and become frothy and offensive. The 
stomach is irritable, with nausea and vomiting. Con- 
stant vomiting soon follows, and purging, with great 
loss of flesh and strength. Fever and thirst are great, 
pulse rapid, skin dry, head and abdomen hot, and ex- 
tremities cold. The face becomes thin and pale, the 

[231] 



232 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

eyes sunken, the child restless, dull and drowsy, or 
delirious. With dark, offensive evacuations, cold sur- 
face, bloated bowels and insensibility, the fatal termi- 
nation approaches. 

The treatment indicated is such as will change the 
acrid character of the evacuations, quiet the stomach, 
stop the fever, restore normal circulation, subdue irri- 
tations, and supply nourishment. 

In the beginning the child should be made to drink 
freely of warm water to rinse the stomach. All food 
should be withheld, particularly that containing milk, 
for possibly twenty-four hours. This will give time 
for the poisonous matters in the alimentary canal to 
be evacuated. A copious warm enema should be 
given, and repeated in one or two hours. Should the 
vomiting be persistent, it may be relieved by giving 
the child, if large enough, small bits of ice to swallow, 
or an infant may sip ice-water from a spoon. The 
warm vapor-bath (page 90) can be used to advantage; 
the patient should be kept warm, and the circulation 
equalized by means of hot blankets and the hot- water 
bag. Frequently hot fomentations will relieve vomit- 
ing. If the head is hot, apply the cold compress. 

Pure air and a uniform temperature are very desir- 
able. Ventilation is very essential, but changes of 
temperature should be avoided. The use of opium in 
any form should not be allowed. For internal treat- 
ment use remedy No. 6, as follows: One dose every 
two hours, if diarrhea is persistent and severe, also 
give remedy No. 3, one dose every hour, until the 
movements become natural. 



CHOLERA INFANTUM. 233 

As the cause of this disease, as before noted, is gen- 
erally due to the diet, great care will need to be 
taken as the patient convalesces. If fed from the 
breast, the mother should be extremely careful in her 
diet. If fed artificially, pure milk must be obtained. 
If this cannot be relied upon for a certainty, use fresh 
condensed milk, one part to thirty parts of warm 
water. It is sufficiently sweetened in its preparation. 
If the gums are reddened, hot, and swollen they should 
be lanced. 



CHAPTER LVIII. 

CHOLERA MORBUS. 

THIS is a disease usually occurring during hot 
weather, although carelessness in eating or drink- 
ing may bring on an attack at any season. This dis- 
order may be placed between cholera and colic. It 
usually occurs during the night, the first symptom be- 
ing a feeling of heaviness at the pit of the stomach, 
which is followed by nausea and vomiting. There are 
darting pains through the bowels, and sometimes 
cramps, or a slight diarrhea may be the only premoni- 
tory symptom. Bile in considerable quantities flows 
into the intestine and stomach, when nausea, vomiting, 
and purging follow. In severe cases these symptoms 
may develop simultaneously. The surface is generally 
cold and clammy, the pulse weak, and the thirst ex- 
cessive. The discharges from the bowels are first 
pulpy in character, soon becoming liquid, and great 
quantities of fluid are passed from the body. Griping 
is intermittent, but severe, the limbs are drawn up, the 
abdomen recedes, and the patient suffers intense pain. 
There is much prostration of strength, as in all pain- 
ful affections of the bowels. It is distinguished from 
colic by the purging ; in colic the bowels are usually 

constipated. 

[234] 



CHOLERA MORBUS. 235 

At the commencement of this disorder, the patient 
should drink liberally of warm water to cleanse the 
stomach. A large enema of warm water should be 
taken, and hot fomentations should be applied to the 
abdomen. These should be changed frequently. An 
injection of four or six ounces of water at 105 to no° 
temperature should be made to the bowel frequently. 
For internal treatment administer the following : For 
pain give remedy No. 7, one tablet every hour until 
relieved ; and for vomiting give a few doses of No. 8, 
one tablet every half hour. Follow this up with No. 3, 
one tablet every three hours, until patient is much 
improved. 



CHAPTER LIX. 

ASIATIC CHOLERA. 

This is an epidemic and affects districts more or less 
extensive, sometimes sweeping over whole coun- 
tries. The symptoms are very similar to those of a 
severe case of cholera morbus. It is distinguished 
from cholera morbus, however, by the rice-water dis- 
charges. Where the epidemic is known to be preva- 
lent, great care should be taken with the diet, and all 
exposure to sudden changes of temperature carefully 
avoided. The first approach of the disease is charac- 
terized by uneasiness, headache, lassitude, and diar- 
rhea. The latter may be painless and slight, and 
attract little notice. This may lead to a fatal mistake, 
as many a person has lost his life in consequence. The 
patient next complains of nausea and an inclination to 
vomit. The pulse is quick but feeble. These symp- 
toms last but a short time, when the dreaded prostra- 
tion or collapse follows. The discharges from the 
bowels are colorless, inodorous, frequent, resembling 
rice-water or whey, and signify destruction of the 
mucous membrane and decomposition of the blood. 
The vomiting becomes more severe, and has the same 
rice- or water-gruel character. Cramps seize the toes 
and fingers, soon involving the hands, arms, and legs. 
[236] 



ASIATIC CHOLERA. 237 

Thirst is intense. Although complaining of heat, the 
skin and tongue are cold, the cramps severe, the skin 
and lids blue, eyes sunken, urine suppressed, and pulse 
almost imperceptible. The discharges are thin and 
continue, and the patient rapidly sinks. 

This disease at the outset is easily arrested, but 
should meet with prompt treatment. Especially 
should the earlier symptoms be attended to if there is 
suspicion of the presence of the dreaded malady in the 
neighborhood. 

Upon the approach of the first symptom, the diar- 
rhea, the large hot enema ( page 97) should be admin- 
istered; the patient should then be placed in the steam- 
bath (page 8?) for about twenty minutes. After this, 
place the patient in bed, and apply hot fomentations 
over the bowels. Hot water should be drunk as long 
as the vomiting occurs, and hot enemas, of six to 
eight ounces of water, should be administered fre- 
quently, as long as the diarrhea continues. For inter- 
nal use, the following should be administered : No. 6, 
one tablet every two hours, alternately with dose every 
two hours of No. 3, until the movements are natural. 

If collapse threatens or has occurred, every effort 
must be employed that will produce perspiration. 
Copious drinking of hot water, and the use of the 
vapor-bath in bed ( page 90) are the most efficient 
agents. The intensity of the vapor-bath may be in- 
creased by the addition of hot bricks wrapped in cloths, 
upon which alcohol has been poured, or bottles of hot 
water may be used. When perspiration is fully re- 
stored, and kept up for some time, the patient is safe. 



238 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

The food should be of the most unirritating character, 
as the alimentary canal is in a very sensitive condition, 
with maybe a portion of its lining badly damaged from 
the effects of the disease. The water from toasted 
graham bread, or rice boiled until thin and strained 
through a fine cloth, may be used. This diet should 
continue for several days, according to the severity of 
the attack. Gradually make additions to the diet as 
the digestive organs regain their normal condition. 



CHAPTER LX. 

DIARRHEA. 

THIS is a disease of the intestines where the evacu- 
ations are too frequent, too liquid, and too co- 
pious. It is caused chiefly by irritation from indigestible 
food, such as unripe fruit, decaying vegetables, irritat- 
ing medicines, morbid biliary secretions, and taking 
cold. It may be present in children from irritation 
caused by teething, in which case take the follow- 
ing: Remedy No. 3, one tablet every two hours until 
bowels are regulated. Rinse the bowels with a warm- 
water injection, and keep the child quiet. 

For older patients, where the difficulty arises from 
food, copious drinking of hot water should be pre- 
scribed, after which administer a large enema, place 
the patient in bed, and apply hot fomentations to the 
bowels. These may be continued according to the 
severity of the case, Should the complaint arise from 
the contraction of a cold, the hot vapor-bath should be 
administered for from fifteen to thirty minutes, accord- 
ing to age and condition of patient, the subject then 
placed in bed, and hot fomentations applied to the ab- 
domen. Hot-water injections, of six to eight ounces 
of water, should be administered every half hour. 
For internal treatment use the following remedy: 
No. 3, one tablet every two hours until bowels are 

regulated. 

[239] 



CHAPTER LXI. 

DYSENTERY; FLUX; BLOODY FLUX. 

DYSENTERY differs from diarrhea in two par- 
ticulars; it is confined to the lower bowel, and 
is attended with hemorrage. A diarrhea may extend 
along the whole tract of the intestines, but bleeding is 
rare. There may be costiveness in dysentery, located 
above the inflammation. The liver is congested and 
the circulation blocked up, hence the veins in the 
lower bowel are congested. Especially is this the case 
in malarial districts. 

Rest and quiet are necessary in all diseases of the 
bowels, and are an important element here. The dis- 
ease is generally quite easy to manage if taken in time. 
The treatment is essentially the same as that recom- 
mended for diarrhea. Should there be indications of 
undigested food in the stomach, this should be evacu- 
ated by means of a large, warm-water emetic. Follow 
the treatment recommended for diarrhea, being care- 
ful to protect the patient from changes of temperature. 
For internal treatment use Nos. 6 and 3 combined, one 
tablet of each every two hours until relieved. The 
patient should abstain from eating for a day or two, or 
use only non-irritating food. The chapter on Food 
will give additional information. 
[240] 



CHAPTER LXIL 

CONSTIPATION. 

CONSTIPATION, or costiveness, may be defined 
as irregular and tardy movements of the bowels. 
Commonly the excessive use of fine wheat flour in 
bread or cake, and a scarcity of fluids, are the chief 
causes. The use of narcotics and stimulants have the 
same tendency ; but the great majority suffer from 
neglectful habits. The call of nature may be slight or 
imperative, but on account of some engrossing labor 
or other trivial affair that presents a plausible excuse, 
the answer is delayed until a more convenient season. 
The inclination may not return until twelve or twenty- 
four hours have elapsed. One oversight begets an- 
other, and in a short time irregularity is the rule, and 
constipation is more or less firmly seated, with usually 
an aggravating case of piles as an accompaniment. 

The treatment is simple or complex according to 
the severity of the disease. Regularity in the move- 
ments of the bowels is the foundation of health, and 
the sooner the people understand this the better. In- 
activity of the bowels is generally an accompaniment 
of dyspepsia. The use of purgatives in the shape of 
highly advertised pills is also a frequent cause of this 
condition. 

16 [241] 



242 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

Much can be done to overcome this condition by 
regularity in habits. A regular hour each day should 
be set apart for the calls of nature, say immediately 
after breakfast is finished, and nothing should be 
allowed to prevent the attention to such an important 
duty. One of the best aids in this matter and the best 
physic by far is cold water. Immediately on arising 
in the morning, the throat should be gargled with 
water, then half a glass of pure cold water should be 
swallowed. This has the effect of rinsing the stomach 
and upper intestines, dissolving the excrement, and 
impelling it forward; and by the time breakfast is 
finished, it has reached the exit. An attempt should 
be made to relieve the bowels at the same hour every 
morning whether there is inclination or not. The diet 
should receive careful attention. As graham flour is 
somewhat irritating, the use of bread made from whole- 
wheat flour should be adopted. A very superior 
article is manufactured at Wheelock's Mills, Battle 
Creek, Mich. Cracked wheat, oatmeal, barley, or rice 
may also be employed. Little or no animal food 
should be taken. Cheese, pastry, and fried foods 
should be avoided. One meal of the day should con- 
sist largely of fruits and grains. A fruit that can be 
had in most latitudes and countries is the apple. Raw, 
it disagrees with some dyspeptics, but stewed, it is 
relished by all. There is no fruit served that is better 
to relieve constipation than the apple. Sedentary 
habits have a very unfavorable influence, hence some 
exercise, if only walking, is necessary. Vigorous 



CONSTIPATION. 243 

kneading of the bowels four or five times a day for 
about five minutes at a time will prove of value. 

In case the patient has for some time depended 
upon cathartics to relieve the bowels, warm enemas 
should be used for a time. This practice, however, 
should never become habitual. Should the contents 
of the bowels have become hardened by long reten- 
tion, relief should be obtained by the use of the enema. 
Where the patient is troubled with piles, a warm sitz- 
bath (page 91) should be taken before going to stool. 
By persistent adherence to the above methods the 
most obstinate cases of constipation can be perma- 
nently relieved. 



CHAPTER LXIII. 

WORMS. 

THERE are in this country four kinds of worms 
that infest the alimentary canal ; first, the long 
round-worm, closely resembling the common earth- 
worm, tapering at both ends, from four to eighteen 
inches in length, and white or pinkish in color. It in- 
habits principally the small intestines, but sometimes 
ascends to the stomach (some people call them stom- 
ach worms), from which it is ejected by vomiting. 
Sometimes it creeps out of the mouth or nostrils, and 
occasionally travels to the rectum and passes away 
with the excrement. A large quantity of mucus seems 
necessary to its existence, and its presence is a sign of 
indigestion, fermentation, or some other deficiency in 
the functions of the stomach or bowels. Once in 
possession, they must be expelled ; for no improve- 
ment in diet or general health will destroy them. 

Second, the pin-worm. It is from one quarter to 
one half an inch in length, and about the size of a fine 
thread. It inhabits chiefly the large intestine, but is 
principally felt in the rectum, as it goes there to de- 
posit its eggs. It is found in large numbers, producing 
great irritation of the anus, particularly at night. 

[244] 



WORMS. 245 

Third, the long threadworm. This is like the former 
variety, except that it is three or four inches in length 
and enlarged at its posterior extremity. 

Fourth, the tapeworm. This worm is of a flat ribbon- 
like shape, from one quarter to one half an inch in 
width at the widest place, and tapering down to a 
mere thread. It has a head, is made up of numerous 
joints, and is from five to fifty feet in length. It is 
seldom that more than one worm exists in the same 
individual at the same time. The tapeworm inhabits 
the small intestines. 

The roundworm and pin-worm are most frequently 
found, particularly in children. Adults, however, do 
not escape, and many unpleasant feelings might be 
spared if they would occasionally direct their atten- 
tion to this matter as a possible cause. We are not 
of the opinion that everybody has worms, nor do we 
believe nobody has them, or that, if present, they 
amount to nothing. 

The symptoms are mainly those of irritation of the 
stomach and bowels ; variable appetite, sometimes 
voracious, fetid breath, acid eructations, and pains in 
the stomach ; grinding the teeth during sleep, picking 
the nose, hardness and fullness of the abdomen, slimy 
stools with griping pains, short, dry cough, and ema- 
ciation. In children this irritation produces a fever- 
ish state, and is popularly termed " worm fever." To 
these may be added a puffy or bloated appearance of 
the face and a peculiar expression of the eyes. Under 
these circumstances the passages should be watched, 



246 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

and if worms or segments or joints are passed, we are 
positive of the complaint. 

When certain of the presence of worms and knowing 
the kind, their expulsion is not difficult. In case of 
the long roundworm, or stomach worm, if they are 
accustomed to rise in the mouth or nose when sleep- 
ing, or to tickle the throat when lying down, an emetic 
should begin the treatment. A large glass of warm 
water, in which a quarter of a teaspoonful of mustard 
has been dissolved, will prove sufficient. After the 
emetic take: — 

Podophyllin, 10 grains, 

Santonin, 1 dram, 

Pulverized sugar 1 ounce. 

Give five to ten grains every three hours, according 
to age of patient. This medicine will not require dis- 
guising as it is almost tasteless. After three days' use 
of this remedy, give a teaspoonful of calcined magne- 
sia in milk or water and. an hour after, a glass of lem- 
onade. In a few days begin the use of the medicine 
again, follow for three days, and repeat the magnesia. 
This plan should be continued for ten or fifteen days 
at least. Only in this way can they be effectually de- 
stroyed and expelled. To guard against a second gen- 
eration go through the same routine after the lapse of 
a month. 

The same treatment will destroy the long thread- 
worm. 

The pin-worm must be managed in a different way. 
As it is an inhabitant of the lower bowel, it can only 
be reached and eradicated by flushing or washing out. 



WORMS. 247 

The warm enema ( page 97) should be administered, 
using from two to four quarts of water, according to 
age of patient. A small proportion of castile soap 
should be added to the water. The next day the 
enema should be repeated. Instead of using the soap, 
however, boil a handful of quassia chips in the water, 
and then strain. These alternate enemas should be 
used for several days. Keep the anus well oiled with 
vaseline or fresh butter. By this means the worms 
are unable to deposit their eggs, as they seek the anus 
for propagation. 

The tapeworm is a more formidable adversary. 
Treatment for its expulsion should not be commenced 
unless there is positive evidence of the presence of the 
worm, as many people have imagined themselves to 
be infected with tapeworms when they were entirely 
free from them. It is necessary in order to effect a 
cure, that the head of the tapeworm should be passed, 
otherwise it will be likely to grow again. Portions or 
segments give no idea of the size of the worm, and 
their loss has little effect upon its life or the distress 
caused the patient. The segments grow from the 
head and push the others before them. A few inches 
may be lost every day for years, and yet a very long 
worm may be expelled. The stomach and bowels 
must be prepared for the operation either by fasting 
for twenty-four hours or by eating very sparingly of 
white bread, crackers, and milk. Anything that will 
produce much residue in the bowels should be avoided. 
One of the best articles recommended is kousso. The 
dose for an adult is from five to seven drams; for chil- 



248 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

dren the quantity should be smaller, according to age. 
This should be taken in capsules. Two hours after 
the administration of the medicine, take two teaspoon- 
fuls of castor oil, or a dram of fluid-extract of jalap. 
The simplest remedy is pumpkin seeds. Take off the 
hulls from a pint, pulverize, and make into a mush with 
warm water. Salt to taste. Divide, and take one 
half two hours after the other. This should be re- 
peated daily for several days in succession, Dis- 
charges from the bowels should be examined with 
great care so as to find the head of the worm. 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

INFLAMMATION OF BLADDER. 

INFLAMMATION of the bladder is not always 
confined to the organ in question. In the be- 
ginning it is local, but it may spread upward toward 
the kidneys, and downward along the urethra or urinal 
canal ; may involve the membranous lining of the ab- 
domen, the prostate gland of the male, or the vagina 
and uterus of the female. This inflammation may 
arise from external or internal causes. Among the 
former, the principal is from injuries. Internal irrita- 
tion may arise from the presence of stone and, which 
is most general, from irritating urine, particularly that 
confined by stricture. Certain substances, as turpen- 
tine, taken internally may inflame the bladder. 

The symptoms are local and always attended with 
more or less pain. The pain is seated low down and 
to the front, immediately above the pubic bone. 
There is pain and more or less scalding upon pass- 
ing water. The desire to urinate is frequent, attended 
with little flow, and preceded and followed by violent 
contractions of the bladder. The urine is scant, high- 
colored, and deposits a cloudy or milky substance, 
sometimes tinged with blood. 

It is distinguished from inflammation of the kidneys 
principally by the locality of the pain, that of the kid- 

[249] 



250 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

neys being in the small of the back; from inflammation 
of the womb, by the greater bloating and by the 
higher fever in the latter, together with menstrual 
irregularities. Occasionally the falling forward of the 
womb causes direct pressure upon the bladder, in- 
flaming it. 

Chronic inflammation of the bladder is more com- 
monly known as catarrh of the bladder. It is of long 
standing, develops more tardily, and is recognized by 
the frequent desire to urinate, the small amount escap- 
ing, and the continual presence of a thickly viscid de- 
posit in the water. The pain is not so great as in 
acute attacks, but though less severe in character, is 
almost constantly present. 

The treatment necessary to pursue is to ascertain 
and remove the physical causes of irritation, if any ex- 
ist; to change the character of the urine and preserve 
its normal standard ; and to relieve the inflammation 
and to prevent its spreading. 

If calculus, or stone, has already formed, a surgeon 
must be consulted for its removal. The same also may 
be said of the falling forward of the womb. If gravel 
in fine particles is passing, the adoption of a proper 
diet and the employment of the following treatment 
will be sufficient. 

The following prescription will change the character 
of the urine, stimulate the bowels to activity, and as- 
sist in removing morbid matter from the bladder: — 
Citric acid, 4 drams. 

Pulverize and divide into eight parts, put in blue 
papers, also: — 



INFLAMMATION OF BLADDER. 25 1 

Bicarbonate of potash, 1 ounce. 

Divide into eight parts, put in white papers. 

The above are administered the same as Seidlitz 
powders. In a half tumbler of water dissolve a pow- 
der in the white paper. To one of the tumblers add a 
teaspoonful of sugar. When each is well dissolved, 
pour together, and drink rapidly. The effervescence is 
but momentary, and it is during its action that the 
drink should be taken. This should be repeated every 
two hours. 

For the inflammation the hot sitz-bath (page 91), 
for thirty or forty minutes, should be employed, after- 
ward hot fomentations should be applied over the 
lower part of the abdomen. The fomentations should 
be changed frequently and applied for some length of 
time. In male patients, large warm enemas would be 
beneficial, and in females the hot vaginal douche, pro- 
longed for some length of time, will be of benefit. 

In case the above treatment is not sufficiently suc- 
cessful, the bladder should be washed out with the fol- 
lowing mixture :— 

Glycerine, 1 ounce. 

Fuid extract golden seal, 2 drams. 

Mix and add to a quart of warm water, two table- 
spoonfuls. Fill the bladder with this mixture every 
three or four hours. This can easily be done by 
means of the fountain syringe which is advertised in 
the back pages of this work. The end of the smallest 
tube should be well oiled and warmed, and inserted 
into the entrance of the urethra. The flow of the 
liquid can be regulated by the stop that is on the tube. 



2$2 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

When the latter is opened, the water usually pene- 
trates into the bladder without the patient's being 
conscious of its entrance. As soon as he feels the de- 
sire to urinate, the stop can be turned as the bladder 
is then full. The patient can now empty the bladder 
at once or can retain the fluid some little time. The 
water employed should be warmed to about ioo°. 
The best time for employing the injection is just before 
going to bed. A single injection in acute inflamma- 
tion will frequently be sufficient. If not, however, it 
can be repeated. Give No. 6, one tablet every three 
hours while the trouble exists. 



CHAPTER LXV. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

THIS malady is usually the accompaniment of 
some other disease, such as measles, scarlet 
fever, diphtheria, typhus fever, some heart and lung 
diseases, and sometimes inflammations, colds, rheuma- 
tism, and pregnancy. Occurring independently, it 
may be the result of injuries, exposure to cold, calcu- 
lus, or the use of alcoholic beverages. Congestion af- 
fects both, and inflammation generally but one kidney, 
otherwise their symptoms are the same except in in- 
tensity. There is dull or sharp pain in the small of 
the back, tenderness upon pressure, feverish pulse and 
skin, numbness of the thighs, and urine passes with 
difficulty or may be entirely suppressed; that passed 
is scanty and dark-colored. The urine may be bloody 
and sometimes may contain matter. 

Those remedies which stimulate the kidneys should 
be avoided, and the effort should be made to give them 
rest. Their eliminative work should be performed 
by the skin and bowels. Place the patient in bed and 
administer the spirit vapor-bath (page 90), for from 
two to three hours, changing the water in the hot- 
water bag as it becomes cooled. Induce the drinking 
of pure, soft water. Hot fomentations should be ap- 



254 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

plied to the small of the back. The subject should be 
kept warm, and on getting out of bed, should avoid 
changes of temperature. The food should be plain 
and unstimulating; the use of condiments, tea, coffee, 
and spirituous liquors should be avoided. Meat should 
be but sparingly used, if at all. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 

RETENTION OF URINE. 

THIS is a common complaint, occurs in all ages, has 
many and various causes. It will be necessary 
to notice these in order that a rational treatment may 
be used. It arises from obstructions, such as stone in 
the bladder, enlarged prostate gland (which is a com- 
mon affection of the aged), stricture of the urethra, 
and displacements of the womb; from irritation by 
drugs, turpentine, etc. It is frequent in some diseases, 
particularly scarlet fever, attends hysteria, some affec- 
tions of the brain, and paralysis. The water may be 
held until by over-distention contractility is lost, and 
the retention is complete. In most instances, what is 
at first incomplete, may become complete. One of the 
most efficient means of relief is by means of a pro- 
longed sitz-bath (page 91). The water should be at a 
temperature of about ioo°. Hot fomentations should 
afterward be applied to the small of the back and the 
lower part of the abdomen. With females the warm 
vaginal douche will frequently give relief. Should 
these mild treatments fail, it will be necessary to pass 
a catheter into the bladder. Unless the person has 
knowledge of the use of this instrument, it would best 

be done by a physician. 

[255] 



2$6 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 



SUPPRESSION OF URINE. 

This condition should not be confounded with reten- 
tion, where the bladder is full, but the urine is not 
voided. In suppression of urine there is disease of 
the kidney, and the secretion is impaired or discon- 
tinued. The bladder is empty, and no urine passes. 
This is dangerous because the blood becomes poisoned 
with the impurities and waste material which should 
find exit through the urinary tract, and as a conse- 
quence the brain is overwhelmed. This occurs in dis- 
eases of the kidneys and during or following fever. 

The congested condition of the kidneys should be 
relieved, and the suppressed fluids and impurities 
should be eliminated through other channels. The 
spirit vapor-bath ( page 90) should be used for twenty 
or thirty minutes, afterward hot fomentations should 
be applied to the small of the back. These should be 
continued for an hour or two, changing frequently. If 
the patient is costive, a large, warm enema should 
be given ( page 97), and hot water should be drunk 
frequently. 



CHAPTER LXVII. 

RHEUMATISM, ACUTE OR INFLAMMATORY. 

THIS disease is due to the presence of lactic acid 
in the blood. The system has previously been 
placed in a condition favorable to the development of 
this disease by improper methods of diet, and by neg- 
lect of bathing, as the excess of lactic acid is generated 
within the system by some derangement of the nutri- 
tive and alimentary processes. All secretions and ex- 
cretions, even to the perspiration, give indications of 
the acid presence. The fever is high, and the pain in 
some instances considerable. The larger joints, nota- 
bly the knees, ankles, and wrists, are more frequently 
attacked. One joint only is involved at a time, and 
the characteristic of the disease is that without pre- 
monition it may in a few hours center upon another, 
leaving the first comparatively free. The joint at- 
tacked becomes red, hot, swollen, tender, and the least 
motion aggravates the pain. In some cases this sen- 
sitiveness is so great that touching the bedclothes or 
walking across the floor will jar sufficiently to disturb 
the invalid. Pain is continually depicted upon the 
countenance. The invalid is restless, sleepless, and 
thirsty, has a high fever, thickly coated tongue, and 
there is deficient action of the kidneys and of the skin. 
17 [257] 



258 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

Occasionally there will be free perspiration, having the 
characteristic sour odor. Sometimes the elbows, hips, 
or shoulders are invaded. A peculiarity of inflamma- 
tory rheumatism is that it expends its force upon the 
fibrous tissue. In this peculiarity lies its danger. 
The walls and valves of the heart are fibrous, and a 
change from a joint to this organ hazards life. While 
the heart is free from attack, there is little if any 
danger. 

The course of treatment followed should be to re- 
move, as far as possible, the acid from the system ; 
chemically to neutralize that which remains ; and to 
stop the fever and relieve the pain in the joints. 

As soon as possible after the commencement of the 
attack, the hot pack ( page 94) should be administered. 
This should be continued for several hours, and may 
be repeated two or three times within twenty-four 
hours. The patient should be encouraged to drink 
freely of hot or cool lemonade made without sugar, or 
but slightly sweetened. At or near the beginning of 
the treatment, the bowels should be emptied by means 
of the large enema ( page 97). After coming out of 
the pack, the joints or parts affected should have hot 
fomentations applied; this should be continued for 
some time. 

For internal treatment use the following : No. 6, one 
tablet every two hours, and for adults give eight drops 
of oil of wintergreen (children in proportion) on a 
lump of sugar every three hours. This may be con- 
tinued for several days. 



RHEUMATISM. 259 

The eliminative treatment should be continued for 
several days by means of the vapor-bath in bed (page 
90) and the free drinking of water, or preferably, lem- 
onade without sugar. The diet should be simple, con- 
sisting wholly of fruits and grains ; all animal food and 
tea and coffee should be avoided. For some time after 
convalescence, the patient should be very careful about 
diet, as a return to former habits may cause a relapse. 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 

FREEZING. 

FROM exposure, either of long or short duration 
according to the intensity of the cold, different 
parts of the body, particularly the nose, ears, fingers, 
and toes, are liable to become frozen. The first sen- 
sation is that of cold and pain, with bluish color of 
the skin, which is soon followed by a white or blood- 
less cast and insensibility of the part. The frozen 
portion should, as soon as discovered, be rubbed with 
snow or ice-water, the friction being followed up until 
there are positive signs of an active circulation; red- 
ness, warmth, and pliability. Warm rooms and the 
fire are to be shunned ; for a too sudden change of 
temperature may result in mortification of the affected 
member. If a considerable portion of the body has 
been frozen, the person should be taken to a cool 
room, and the affected portions rubbed with snow or 
ice-water until they become pliable. This may take 
considerable time, but the results attained are well 
worth the trouble. After the portions have become 
thawed, they should be rubbed with sweet oil or vas- 
eline, and the temperature of the room gradually 
raised. Should the frost-bitten parts afterward ulcer- 
ate, the same treatment can be applied as that pre- 
scribed for burns. 
[260] 



FREEZING. 26l 



CHILBLAINS. 



Chilblains are very similar to frost-bites. Both are 
caused by exposure to cold. Chilblains are more 
likely to be chronic, and affect more particularly 
scrofulous constitutions. The heels, fingers, and toes 
are the parts most predisposed. The pain is not con- 
stant but rather pungent and shooting at particular 
times, and an insupportable itching attends. If the 
exposure has been long continued, the inflammation 
may be severe and the surface mortify, leaving an 
ulcer. Frozen parts sometimes remain sensitive to 
cold and wet weather for years, and from their di- 
minished vitality, the complaint recurs with greater 
facility. 

Prevention consists of the use of warm clothing, and 
exercising care when exposed to inclement weather. 
The remedy for this complaint is the alternate hot 
and cold foot-bath, as follows : Take two pails of wa- 
ter, one hot and the other cold. Dip the feet in the 
hot water, as hot as can be borne, for about one half 
minute, then into the cold water for the same length 
of time, This should be continued for fifteen or twenty 
minutes, and repeated night and morning for several 
days. 



CHAPTER LXIX. 

SUSPENDED ANIMATION — SUFFOCATION — 

DROWNING. 

SUSPENDED animation results from some obstruc- 
tion to the access of air to the lungs, as a portion 
of food lodged in the throat closing the air passages, 
constriction about the neck, as in strangling, or by the 
inhalation of poisonous gases; the effect in all cases 
being that the blue blood in the lungs is not converted 
into the red and life-sustaining arterial fluid. 

It occurs by drowning, smothering, strangling, and 
hanging. Poisonous gases are prolific causes of as- 
phyxia. The heavy carbonic-acid gas settles in old 
wells, mines, and brewers' vats. A person lowered 
into this suddenly becomes insensible. If not imme- 
diately rescued, death ensues. Another should be 
sent to the rescue at once. Care should be exercised 
that the second person is not submerged in the gas for 
a longer time than a person can hold his breath, or he, 
too, may be stricken. If unsuccessful in securing the 
victim, it is better to return to the surface and try 
again. Fresh, dry charcoal is a powerful absorbent of 
this gas. The well may be purified by lowering a bas- 
ket of charcoal into the gas for ten or fifteen minutes. 
This should then be withdrawn and a fresh supply sub- 
[afe] 



DROWNING. 263 

stituted, or the first lot be heated and again used. 
When a lighted candle can be let down to the bottom 
without extinguishing the flame, no gas is present. It 
is best in all cases to try this simple test before making 
the descent. 

Suffocation not infrequently follows the escape of 
the common burning gas into unventilated sleeping 
apartments. People in our northern latitudes in win- 
ter are poisoned and sometimes asphyxiated by closing 
the drafts of stoves too closely at night, which renders 
liable an escape of gas into the room. The fumes 
from burning charcoal are still more dangerous. Life 
is oftener lost in burning buildings from the suffocation 
produced by the smoke than by the flames themselves. 
Firemen frequently rescue from rooms yet untouched 
by fire, persons in an insensible condition caused by 
this agent. 

In the case of persons apparently dead by drowning, 
the condition may be suspended animation, and life 
may still exist. The treatment for restoring persons 
apparently drowned is applicable in most respects to 
all cases of suspended animation. We give the follow- 
ing condensation of the rules prepared by the State 
Board of Health of Michigan, which have been pub- 
lished for general circulation. 

''RULE i. Remove all obstructions to breathing. 
Instantly loosen or cut apart all neck and waist bands; 
turn the patient on the face, with the head down hill; 
stand astride the hips, with your face toward his head, 
and locking your fingers together under his belly, raise 
the body as high as you can without lifting the fore- 



2C4 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

head off the ground, and give the body a smart jerk to 
remove the mucus from the throat and water from the 
windpipe; hold the body suspended long enough to 
slowly count one, two, three, four, five, repeating the 
jerk more gently two or three times. 

" Rule 2. Place the patient face downward, and 
maintaining all the while your position astride the 
body, grasp the point of the shoulders, by the clothing, 
or if the body is naked, thrust your fingers into the 
armpits, clasping your thumbs over the points of the 
shoulders, and raise the chest as high as you can with- 
out lifting the head quite off the ground, and hold it 
long enough to slowly count one, two, three. Replace 
him on the ground, with his forehead on his flexed arm, 
the neck straightened out, and the mouth and nose 
free. Place your elbows against your knees, and your 
hands upon the sides of his chest over the lower ribs, 
and press downward and inward with increasing force 
long enough to slowly count one, two. Then suddenly 
let go, grasp the shoulders as before and raise the 
chest; then press upon the ribs, etc. These alternate 
movements should be repeated ten or fifteen times a 
minute for an hour at least, unless breathing is re- 
stored sooner. Use the same regularity as in natural 
breathing. 

"Rule 3. After the breathing has commenced, re- 
store the animal heat. Wrap him in warm blankets, 
apply bottles of hot water, hot bricks, or anything to 
restore heat. Warm the head nearly as fast as the 
body, lest convulsions come on. Rubbing the body with 
warm cloths on the hand, and slapping the fleshy parts, 



DROWNING. 265 

may assist to restore warmth, and the breathing also. 
If the patient can surely swallow, give hot coffee, tea, 
milk, or a little hot sling. Give spirits sparingly, lest 
they produce depression. Place the patient in a warm 
bed, and give him plenty of fresh air; keep him quiet. 

"Avoid delay. A moment may turn the scale for life 
or death. Dry ground, shelter, warmth, stimulants, 
etc., at this moment are nothing, — artificial breathing 
is everything — is the one remedy ', — all others are 
secondary. 

" Do not stop to remove wet clothing before efforts 
are made to restore breathing. Precious time is wasted, 
and the patient may be fatally chilled by exposure of 
the naked body, even in summer. Give all your atten- 
tion to restore breathing, by forcing air into, and out 
of, the lungs. If the breathing has just ceased, a smart 
slap on the face, or a vigorous twist of the hair will 
sometimes start it again, and may be tried incident- 
ally, as may also pressing the finger upon the root 
of the tongue. 

"Before natural breathing is fully restored, do not 
let the patient lie on his back unless some person holds 
the tongue forward. The tongue by falling back may 
close the windpipe and cause fatal choking. 

" If several persons are present, one may hold the 
head steady, keeping the neck nearly straight; others 
may remove wet clothing, replacing at once clothing 
which is dry and warm; they may also chafe the limbs, 
and thus promote the circulation. 

" Prevent friends from crowding around the patient 
and excluding fresh air; also from trying to give stim- 



266 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

ulants before the patient can swallow. The first 
causes suffocation; the second fatal choking. 

"Do not give up too soon. You are working for life. 
Any time within two hours you may be on the very 
threshold of success without there being any sign 
of it." 



CHAPTER LXX. 

BURNS AND SCALDS. 

A SLIGHT superficial burn may be treated by 
covering the part with any thickish fluid that 
will exclude the air ; for instance, molasses, glycerine, 
warm glue, linseed, olive, or castor oil ; or the part 
may be immersed in water a little below the tempera- 
ture of the body. This latter treatment may be con- 
tinued for a considerable length of time with much 
benefit. Blisters should be pricked, the outer skin 
gently smoothed down, and some simple ointment or 
oil smeared over it so that the dressing will not stick 
to it when removed. The burn may now be covered 
with cotton wadding, and a bandage used to keep it in 
place. A healing application is made of olive or lin- 
seed oil, three or four ounces, and carbolic acid, ten 
to thirty drops. This is poured upon the skin from 
above the wound, and permitted to run down between 
the cotton and the skin, thereby moistening both, 
bathing the injured surface, removing foul odors, less- 
ening the discharge, and promoting healing. Common 
baking soda well powdered, may be sprinkled upon a 
scald or burn, and over this a wet compress placed. 
The compress must be kept moist with water, or 
a solution of the soda in water. It relieves pain 
promptly and permanently. 

[267] 



268 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

The white of an egg applied over a burn or scald is 
good, in fact, almost anything that will exclude air. 
Linseed oil and carbolic acid, or glycerine and carbolic 
acid, are preferable, on account of their healing quali- 
ties. In case of suppuration or deep sores, this treat- 
ment should be followed by the use of an antiseptic 
ointment. When the burns are serious, as in cases 
where the clothes take fire, great care. must be taken 
not to remove the skin, which has but little hold upon 
the flesh and is quite likely to be somewhat firmly 
attached to the clothing. If it sticks ever so little, 
leave the piece that sticks in its place, and cut away 
the remainder. It is a good plan in every instance of 
extensive burns or scalds not to attempt to remove 
the clothes, but carefully cut them up, particularly 
those garments next the flesh. Thoroughly sponge 
the piece with the saturated solution of baking soda 
until it is easily removed. Oil may be used for the 
same purpose. After the ointment and cotton are 
applied, the patient may be wrapped in sheets and 
blankets. 

The clothes catching fire, whether by accident or 
carelessness, is a fearful disaster. The natural impulse 
seems to be to run for help instead of helping one's 
self. The tendency of the flames is to shoot upward, 
burning the clothing above, and enveloping the head, 
so there is extreme danger of breathing the fire into 
the lungs; therefore the individual should immedi- 
ately lie down upon the floor and roll toward water 
or, what is far better, woolens, either clothing, mat- 
ting, or bedcovers. Wrapping in these completely 



BURNS AND SCALDS. 269 

excludes the air and the fire is extinguished. Call 
for assistance if you will, but do not run for it. Many 
lives might be saved by this means, and it requires 
but a moment's thought. If you are called for assist- 
ance, throw down the sufferer, and cover with what- 
ever woolen is most handy — the head and shoulders 
first. Envelop the body completely for one or two 
minutes, and then apply the remedies as described 
above. 



CHAPTER LXXI. 

WOUNDS. 

THE simplest form of a wound is a cut made with a 
sharp instrument. The parts may be replaced, 
and will fit each other exactly. But when the objecf 
or instrument doing injury is blunt or rough-edged, 
the skin is torn or lacerated, and the surface cannot 
always be put together as before. This does not bleed 
as freely as a cut, but has its greater danger in the 
occurrence of hemorrhage at a later period and when 
unexpected. 

Much depends upon the character and amount of 
hemorrhage, the part involved, and the location. If 
the blood spurts from a wound, an artery has been 
severed. This must be tied, or if the cut is not too 
extensive, it may be closed and pressure used to stop 
the bleeding. If some time is to elapse before an 
attempt is made to apply treatment, as, for instance, 
in waiting for a surgeon, better bind the limb on the 
side of the cut next to the heart, increasing the pres- 
sure of the ligature until the spurting is perceptibly 
lessened or stopped. Another method is by bending 
the limbs. If the foot is injured, a handkerchief or 
other cloth made into a pad can be placed under 
the knee, the calf brought to the thigh, and the thigh 



WOUNDS. 271 

to the body. This cuts off the circulation to the foot 
to a great extent. In the case of the hand or forearm, 
the forearm should be bent upon the upper arm, the 
roll inserted into the armpit, and the upper arm held 
closely to the side of the body. 

The local treatment is by astringents, such as pow- 
dered alum, burnt cork, persulphate of iron, either in 
solution or in powder. If the artery is large, it must 
be tied. Find it in the wound, grasp with a forceps, 
and while some one holds the instrument, tie with a 
silk thread. The ends of the thread should not be 
clipped, but left outside of the wound for removal. In 
tying the artery, look carefully for the nerve which 
accompanies it, and do not include this in the tying, 
as it will cause trouble, and perhaps lockjaw. In a 
cut in which no arteries are severed, or only small ones, 
bring the edges together and secure with adhesive 
strips. The adaption is simplified, if the strip is first 
well secured on one side; the edges are then pushed 
together, and when in place, let the strip catch and 
hold the other side. If the skin is badly torn or partly 
lost or destroyed, the edges after removing all foreign 
substances, like dirt, hair, clots, etc., should be drawn 
together by stitches; silver wire makes the best, but 
silk may be used. Remember that the closer the 
edges approach, the less prominent the scar; or if they 
are trimmed with scissors to prevent irregularities, the 
scar will be much less noticeable. An antiseptic dress- 
ing should be applied, composed of ten drops of car- 
bolic acid to one ounce of vaseline. This should be 
spread upon a linen cloth and placed upon the injured 



272 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

parts. If no antiseptic dressing can be obtained, take 
a strip of dry cloth, dip it in fresh blood, fit this snugly 
upon the wound and make the blood itself exclude the 
air. If the parts are carefully brought together, and 
well secured, this is all sufficient. Do not disturb for 
a week, then remove, after soaking in warm water un- 
til the strips unwind without using force. This treat- 
ment is especially adapted to mashed or crushed 
fingers or toes. 

BRUISES. 

To bruises and other injuries by which the blood 
accumulates under the skin, apply continuous hot fo- 
mentations and gentle massaging with the fingers as 
far as the injury of the part will permit. This should 
be continued until all discoloration has departed. 
Those parts of the surface which are very spongy are 
more easily infiltrated and are with greater difficulty 
restored to the natural color. The flesh immediately 
surrounding the eye is of this character. Notwith- 
standing the disadvantage in position, the hot water 
treatment should be continued for some time. When 
completely discolored, bathing in very cold water 
should be the treatment. This will prevent the fur- 
ther flow of blood into the tissues, subdue inflamma- 
tion, and cause rapid healing. 



CHAPTER LXXII. 

BITES OF SNAKES — POISONING FROM VINES 

AND SHRUBS. 

WHEN the bite of a snake occurs, it is not always 
that poison is injected into the wound, as it 
is frequently absorbed or taken up by the clothing. 
There are but few snakes in this country whose bite 
is poisonous. They are the rattlesnake, copperhead, 
chicken-snake, and water-moccasin. The fang of the 
snake is hollow, and the poison is injected into the 
flesh through this canal; and although the wound may 
not be deep, there is extreme danger of the poison be- 
ing taken into the circulation. The poison renders 
the blood pasty and stops the circulation. It is only 
for its interference with this process that alcohol or 
whiskey is of any value. Their tendency is to keep 
up the circulation, prevent exhaustion, and abate in 
some measure the shock to the nervous system. A 
solution of ammonia has a similar effect, or tincture 
of iodine may be used in four-drop doses. 

The person bitten should himself, or by the assist- 
ance of a companion, place around the limb a short 
distance from the wound, between the wound and the 
heart, a cord, string, strap,or anything that can be used 
for a long ligature. This should be tied as tight as 

18 [273] 



f 74 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

possible in order to cut off the circulation. To make 
this tight, it may be necessary to pass a small stick 
through the cord and twist it. If the attendant's 
mouth is free from ulcers or breaks of the skin, apply 
it to the wound and suck the poison out. The poison 
is harmless unless taken into the circulation. The 
part bitten should be immediately cut away, being 
sure to include all the poisoned portions. The wound 
should then be cauterized with a hot iron or a live 
coal. Should the patient be chilly, the circulation 
should be kept up by the application of hot blankets 
and bottles of hot water, or the hot-water bag. 

There are occasional poisonings from different vines 
and shrubs, which are exceedingly irritating and pain- 
ful. The more common are the poison oak, poison ivy, 
poison sumach, swamp sumach, poison elder, and 
poison dogwood. The symptoms are pain, redness, 
eruptions, swelling, and severe itching. The face and 
hands, particularly between the fingers, are first in- 
volved. This rash may appear in spots on different 
parts of the body, and is always accompanied with the 
most painful itching, sufficient sometimes to deprive 
the person of sleep. Its duration is from a few days to 
two or three weeks. Occasionally it will produce a 
feverish condition, and so disturb the constitution as 
to require medical treatment If there is fever, give 
of No. i, one tablet every two hours until fever 
subsides. 

Washing frequently with soft water in which is dis- 
solved common baking soda, will allay the itching and 



POISONING FROM VINES AND SHRUBS. 275 

pain, and give relief for an hour or two. If more effi- 
cient means are needed, apply bandages, wet with 
equal parts of lime-water and a strong decoction of 
oak bark. These should be changed as often as they 
become dry. Frequently relief from distressing symp- 
toms and feverish conditions will be obtained by the 
use of the vapor-bath in bed ( page 90). 



CHAPTER LXXIII. 

DISINFECTION. 

THERE are many articles used as disinfectants 
which do not disinfect. Many of them are sim- 
ply deodorants, that is, they have the power of de- 
stroying the odor, but do not destroy the germs of 
infection. Undoubtedly the best germicide and dis- 
infectant is corrosive sublimate. The full directions 
for its use are found in the chapter devoted to typhoid 
fever (page 116), to which we refer the reader. 

For directions for the prevention of the spread 
of infectious diseases, we quote the following from 
Dr. Maclagan : — 

" Rule i. — I. Isolate the person affected as much 
as possible from the other inmates of the house. 

" This is most readily effected by at once removing 
him to an upper room, if circumstances permit. The 
room selected should be large and airy, and the means 
of ventilating it, which shall be presently mentioned, 
at once adopted. 

"2. Before removing the patient, all superfluous cur- 
tains, carpets, woolen articles, unnecessary clothing, 
in short, everything likely to retain infection, should 
be at once removed. 

"3. The patient's bed ought to be so placed as to al- 
low of a free current of air around it, but not so as to 
place it in a draught. 
[276] 



DISINFECTION. 2/7 

" 4. The room must be kept well ventilated, under 
the physician's directions, by means either of fire 
(when required), or of an open fireplace and chimney, 
and of windows open to the external air. By means 
of the latter, ventilation is most effectually procured 
so as to avoid draughts, in the following manner: — 

" Raise the lower sash of the window three or four 
inches, then procure a piece of wood to fit accurately 
into the lower opening, and place it there. By these 
means free outward and inward currents of air, with- 
out causing any draughts, are obtained through the 
vacant space between the two sashes. When a win- 
dow is merely opened from the upper or lower sash, 
draughts are invariably caused. 

" 5. Placing a small piece of oilcloth, mackintosh, or 
other waterproof material beneath the upper blanket 
on which the patient is to rest, effectually prevents the 
bed from being soiled by any discharges, etc. 

" RULE ii. — i. After removal of the patient to the 
room in which he is to remain, the outside of the door 
and door-posts should be completely covered by a 
sheet kept constantly wet with some disinfecting fluid, 
such as carbolic acid, etc. 

" 2. The room must be kept scrupulously clean. Be- 
fore being swept, which should be done daily, if possi- 
ble, the floor should be sprinkled with a weak solution 
of the disinfecting fluid. 

" 3. Vessels containing disinfecting fluids should be 
placed in the room for the reception of all bed and 
body linen, towels, handkerchiefs, etc., immediately on 
being removed from the patient, and on no account 



378 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

should they be washed along with other household 
articles. 

"4. Disinfectants should also be placed in all the 
chamber utensils used by the patient, and, after use, 
more disinfecting fluid should be added, and the whole 
contents, if possible, should be immediately buried. 
No chamber vessel should be allowed to remain in the 
room after having been used. 

"5. All plates, cups, glasses, etc., which have been 
used by the patient, should be rinsed with some disin- 
fectant before being washed; and on no account should 
any vessels used in the sick-room be washed along 
with other things, unless previously thoroughly dis- 
infected. 

" 6. Attendants on the sick should not wear woolen 
dresses, but only those made of washable materials. 

" 7. Basins containing water, to which some disin- 
fectant has been added, should always be at hand for 
the benefit of the attendants on the sick, who should 
not be sparing of their use. 

" 8. No article of food or drink from the sick-room 
should be consumed by other persons. 

" 9. Visitors to the sick-room, except in the case of 
clergymen and medical men, should be peremptorily 
forbidden ; and they, when necessarily present, should, 
on leaving, wash their hands in water to which a dis- 
infectant has been added, and should have as little 
immediate communication with others as possible. 

"Rule in. — 1. When a death from infectious dis- 
ease occurs, the body should be at once placed in a 
coffin and sprinkled with some disinfecting fluid or 



DISINFECTION. 279 

powder, such as chloride of lime, etc., and buried with 
the least possible delay. 

" 2. On no account whatever should the body be al- 
lowed to remain in a room occupied by living persons. 

"Rule iv. — i. On the termination of a case of in- 
fectious disease, either when the patient is pronounced 
free from infection, or, in the event of death, after re- 
moval of the body, the sick-room and its contents 
should be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. 

" 2. The bed and bedclothes, and all wearing apparel 
used by the attendants or patient, should be thoroughly 
disinfected. 

"Rule v. — i. In houses where a case of infectious 
disease occurs, no washing, tailoring, dressmaking, or 
any similar occupation, ought to be carried on. 
. "2. No milk or food of any kind should be supplied 
from the infected house. 

" 3. Children from infected houses should not be al- 
lowed to attend schools, and all persons from infected 
houses should have as little communication as possible 
either in private houses or in public places, such as 
railways, omnibuses, public-houses, churches, etc. 

"4. Any accumulation of filth or refuse of any kind 
should be at once removed from or about the premises, 
and disinfectants freely used. 

"Rule Vl. — i. During the prevalence of epidemic, 
infectious, or contagious diseases, it becomes specially 
important that the general laws regarding the pres- 
ervation of health should be rigidly attended to. 

" 2. Implicit trust should not be placed in so-called 
'disinfectants.' They are very useful when judi- 



280 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

ciously employed, but are by no means certain ' pre- 
ventatives of disease.' 

" 3. Pure air, pure water, warm clothing, and good 
food should always be obtained if possible. By their 
constant use less chance is afforded for an invasion of 
disease." 

HOW TO DISINFECT ROOMS ; FUMIGATION. 

Rooms which have been occupied by a person suf- 
fering from an infectious disease should, on the ter- 
mination of the illness, be at once disinfected. To 
effect this thoroughly, all crevices around windows and 
doors and the fireplace should be closed by pasting 
pieces of paper over them. Lumps of sulphur (brim- 
stone), one pound for every five hundred cubic feet of 
space, should then be put into a metal dish, placed by 
means of tongs over a bucket of water. This being 
set fire to, the doors should be closed, and the room 
should be allowed to remain without interference for 
three or four hours. After this time, the windows 
should be thrown open, and when the fumes have 
disappeared, all the woodwork and walls should be 
thoroughly washed with soft soap and water to which 
carbolic acid has been added (one pint of the common 
liquid to three or four gallons of water), and the paper 
from the walls stripped off. In whitewashed rooms 
the walls should be scraped, and then washed with hot 
lime to which carbolic acid has been added. The 
windows should then be kept open for thirty-six or 
forty-eight hours. 



CHAPTER LXXIV. 

POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 

POISONS are substances of an animal, a vegetable, 
or a mineral nature, which produce effects in- 
jurious to the system when they are taken into the 
stomach in certain doses ; and in some instances even 
when they are applied to the surface of the body. 
Many poisonous substances, however, are daily em- 
ployed as medicines. Writers who professedly treat 
of poisons, have arranged the substances which they 
regard as such, according to their effect on the human 
body. 

Narcotic poisons have their operations confined to 
the brain and spinal marrow, causing headache, dizzi- 
ness, sleepiness, paralysis, and occasionally lockjaw. 

Irritant poisons, for the most part, belong to the 
mineral kingdom. They produce, in ordinary doses, 
speedy vomiting and purging, accompanied by intense 
pain in the abdomen. 

Narcotic-irritants, as the name implies, have a com- 
pound action. Soon after being swallowed they give 
rise to diarrhea and vomiting, and, sooner or later, 
they produce the same effect as the narcotic poisons, 
— stupor, [paralysis, etc. They are all derived from 
the vegetable kingdom. 

[281] 



282 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

Every person ought in some measure to " be ac- 
quainted with the nature and cure of poisons. They 
are generally taken unawares, and their effects are 
often so sudden and violent as not to admit of delay, 
or to allow time to procure the assistance of physicians. 

Happily, indeed, no great degree of medical knowl- 
edge is here necessary; the remedies for most poisons 
being generally at hand, or easily obtained, and noth- 
ing but common prudence needful in the application 
of them. The general idea that every poison is cured 
by some counter-poison as a specific, has done much 
hurt. People believe they can do nothing for the pa- 
tient unless they know the particular antidote to that 
kind of poison which he has taken; whereas, the cure 
of all poisons taken into the stomach, without excep- 
tion, depends v chiefly on discharging them as soon as 
possible. 

There is no case wherein the indications of cure are 
more obvious. Poison is seldom long in the stomach 
before it occasions sickness, with an inclination to 
vomit. This shows plainly what ought to be done. 
Indeed, common sense dictates to every one that if 
anything has been taken into the stomach which en- 
dangers life, it ought immediately to be discharged. 
Were this duty regarded, the danger arising from poi- 
sons might generally be avoided. The method of pre- 
vention is obvious, and the means are in the hands of 
every one. 

Poisons either belong to the animal, vegetable, or 
mineral kingdoms. Mineral poisons are commonly 
of an acrid or corrosive quality, as arsenic, cobalt, the 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 283 

corrosive sublimate of mercury, etc. Those of the 
vegetable kind are generally of a narcotic or stupefac- 
tive quality, as poppy, hemlock, henbane, berries of 
the deadly nightshade, etc. Arsenic is the most com- 
mon of the mineral poisons; and as all of them are very 
similar both in their effects and method of cure, what 
is said with respect to it will be applicable to every 
other species of corrosive poison. 

Arsenic. — Symptoms: When a person has taken 
arsenic, he soon perceives a burning heat and a violent 
pricking pain in his stomach and bowels, with an in- 
tolerable thirst and an inclination to vomit. The 
tongue and throat feel rough and dry; and if proper 
means be not soon administered, the patient is seized 
with great anxiety, hiccoughing, fainting spells, and 
coldness of the extremities. 

On the first appearance of these symptoms, give im- 
mediately from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful ( ac- 
cording to age) of ground mustard and the same quan- 
tity of common salt, in half pint or less of water, warm 
or cold, warm being the best, which usually makes the 
patient vomit almost immediately, and which may be 
repeated every five or ten minutes. If no mustard is 
at hand, give large quantities of new milk and salad 
oil, or oil and warm water, or fresh butter melted and 
mixed with warm water; or if none of these are at 
hand, three or four grains of tobacco ( a small quid) 
will usually operate as a ready emetic. Some of these, 
or other emetics, are to be taken as long as the incli- 
nation to vomit continues, or until the stomach has 
become entirely empty. 



284 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

Lest there be any remnant of the poison, however 
small, or its effects, left in the stomach, let the patient 
take a dose of the best antidote at hand; and if noth- 
ing better can be had, give the white of an egg t or a 
cup of strong coffee. 

Should there be any delay, from any cause, in ad- 
ministering an emetic, give immediately a dose of the 
best antidote you have at hand for the poison taken. 
It is sometimes best to give an antidote first, and then 
an emetic, and after thorough vomiting, when the 
stomach has become thoroughly quieted, give another 
portion of the antidote. But above all things, give an 
emetic as soon as possible, as life may depend on a 
prompt and thorough cleansing of the stomach. 

Niter — Nitrate of Potass a. — Symptoms: When it is 
taken in doses of half an ounce to an ounce, which has 
too frequently happened from the salt being sold by 
mistake for sulphate of soda, it excites nausea, and 
vomiting, bloody stools, excruciating cramps of the 
lower bowels, the sensation of fire in the stomach, la- 
borious respiration, cold extremities, insensibility, con- 
vulsions, and sometimes death. If the patient lives, 
he may remain paralytic. Treatment : Empty the 
stomach, and dilute freely with milk and sweet oil or 
slippery elm tea. Give plenty of flour and water or 
linseed oil. 

Chloride of Tin. — A corrosive metallic poison. 
Symptoms ; An austere, metallic taste, constriction of 
the gullet, impeded respiration, violent vomiting, with 
cramp of the stomach and excruciating colic pains, 
convulsions, sometimes paralysis and death. Treat- 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 285 

ment: Drink copiously of milk, which appears to de- 
compose the chloride; then excite vomiting by large 
draughts of tepid water; warm water bath; administer 
opiates. 

Chloride of Antimony. — This is a highly corrosive, 
poisonous liquid, varying from a light yellow to a dark 
red color. Symptoms: Severe vomiting, cramps, 
faintness, purging, colicky pains, etc. Treatment: 
Give plenty of strong tea, or an infusion of oak bark, 
elm, aloes, currant or blackberry bark or leaves. 

Carbonate of Lead or White Lead. — An astringent 
metallic poison. Symptoms: Obstinate costiveness; 
violent colic, with retraction of the abdomen; vomit- 
ing; the pulse small and hard; laborious breathing, and 
tremors; the gums assume a blue tinge. Treatment : 
Administer cathartics; particularly castor oil, and sul- 
phate of magnesia combined with opium or extract of 
hyoscyamus; use the warm bath, and throw up repeat- 
edly injections of linseed oil and slippery elm tea. 
The patient should drink very freely of mucilaginous 
liquids. Some alkaline sulphate mixed with vinegar, 
or some weak vegetable acid, such as lemon-juice, will 
prove highly useful. Emetics and the stomach-pump 
should also be employed. When convalescent, the pa- 
tient should live almost entirely on a milk diet. 

As the symptoms produced by poisoning by lead put 
on one of the three forms, irritant poisoning, lead colic, 
or paralysis, our treatment must be governed accord- 
ingly. In cases of irritant poisoning, we would imme- 
diately administer dilutents holding in solution some 
sulphate, as of soda, magnesia, or potassa, so that a 



286 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

sulphate of lead may be formed. Vomiting should be 
excited by sulphate of zinc, tickling the throat, or the 
contents of the stomach may be evacuated by the 
stomach-pump. In lead colic, the best remedy is alum, 
though it is generally treated successfully by means of 
purgatives and opiates, with venesection, leeching, etc. 

The action of acetate of lead and of red oxide of 
lead, or litharge, on the animal economy, is nearly the 
same as that of the carbonate of lead; consequently 
the above observations apply to all the salts of lead, 
which, as already stated, are converted into the car- 
bonates after being taken into the stomach. 

Nitrate of Silver. — A corrosive metallic poison. 
Symptoms : Nearly the same as those produced by 
corrosive sublimate; in general, the pain in the stom- 
ach is more severe; respiration greatly embarassed. 
Tests: If the poison has taken place in solution in 
water, it is detected by the arsenious acid mixed with 
ammonia precipitating a yellow arsenite of silver. A 
stick of phosphorus placed in it precipitates the silver 
in a metallic state. Treatment: Administer in- 
stantly, a strong solution of common salt, to form an 
insoluble chloride of silver in the stomach. Then evac- 
uate the stomach by an emetic, and if symptoms of in- 
flammation nevertheless supervene, employ tepid baths 
and emollient fomentations and enemas. 

Opium. — Symptoms: Drowsiness and stupor, which 
are followed by delirium, pallid countenance, sighing, 
deep and stentorious breathing, cold sweats, sleepiness, 
and unless relieved, death. Treatment : If you can- 
not get drugs, use mustard and warm water, or salt 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 2%7 

and water; after vomiting, give plenty of very strong 
coffee, put a mustard plaster around the calf of each 
leg, and if cold and sinking, give a good quantity of 
spirits and water. Keep the patient roused till the 
effects have passed off, by beating the soles of the feet; 
dash cold water in the face. Remember, if the patient 
goes to sleep at this stage, it will be the sleep of death. 

Fox- glove; Digitalis.— Symptoms: Giddiness, im- 
paired vision, sickness, hiccough, cold sweats, delirium, 
syncope, convulsions, and finally death. Treatment: 
Administer emetics, cordials, brandy, or whisky; ap- 
ply a blister to the pit of the stomach; give opium or 
strong coffee; keep the body in motion. 

Phosphorus. — A corrosive poison. Symptoms: Phos- 
phorus, taken even in moderate quantities, produces 
immediate death; and as it has been exhibited as a 
remedy, in this manner it may prove poisonous. The 
symptoms are violent pain of the stomach, with a hot 
alliceous taste in the mouth; great excitement of the 
arterial system, and horrible convulsions, which are 
the forerunners of death. Treatment: Dilute largely, 
so as to fill the stomach with liquid, by which the com- 
bustion of the phosphorus is impeded, and vomiting 
induced, without increasing the irritation of the stom- 
ach. Magnesia mixed with the fluid neutralizes 
the acid. Give chalk or even whiting or even flour 
stirred in. Give no oil or fat of any description. 

Nux Vomica. — Symptoms: Sensation of inebriety, 
dizziness, twitching of the muscles of the mouth, stiff- 
ness of the arms and limbs, extreme difficulty of breath- 
ing, with excruciating pain. Treatment : Evacuate the 



288 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

stomach and bowels, and then dilute freely with vin- 
egar and water and other acidulous drinks, cold baths* 
strong coffee, tannin, purgatives, spirits of camphor. 

Laudanum. — Symptoms : Stupor, pulse small, weak, 
and irregular; skin warm and livid; pupils contracted 
in the early stage; smell of opium in the breath. Treat- 
ment: Cold effusions to the head, strong coffee, tan- 
nic acid, sulphate of zinc. Keep the patient in contin- 
ual motion; slap the surface of the body with wet 
towels. 

Colchicuml {Meadow Saffron). — An acro-narcotic~ 
poison deriving its powers from colchici. Symptoms : 
Sickness and vomiting, violent purging, rapid sinking 
of the pulse, and cold sweats. Treatment: Evacuate 
the contents of the stomach with a teaspoonful of mus- 
tard in water; injections of hot water; blisters to the 
pit of the stomach. Rub the spine briskly with a 
stimulating liniment. Cold applications to the head; 
afterward, cordial stimulants. 

Verdigris. — Symptoms: Colic pains, constant vom- 
iting and purging, violent pains in the throat, with 
tension of the abdomen. Indeed, all the symptoms of 
irritant poisoning. Treatment : Magnesia, carbonate 
of soda, and emetic if necessary. 

Vermin Poison. — Various powders for destruction of 
vermin, etc., contain arsenic, and are frequent sources 
of poisoning. The symptoms come on about half an 
hour after the dose has been taken, and are, nausea, 
and burning pain in the stomach, violent vomiting, 
intense thirst, purging, and pain in the stomach on 
pressure. Treatment: Excite vomiting as much as 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 289 

possible by the administration of a scruple of sulphate 
of zinc and ipecac, and plenty of warm water; apply 
the stomach-pump as soon as possible. The hydrated 
sesquioxide of iron, given in large quantities, is also 
useful; and a mixture of linseed meal, castor oil, and 
water, made to the consistency of molasses, may also 
be given to protect the stomach. 

Tartar Emetic— Tartar emetic has been taken in 
mistake for Epsom salts. Symptoms: A livid coun- 
tenance, violent pain in the stomach, spasmodic con- 
tractions of the muscles, particularly of the arms, and 
violent abdominal pains. Treatment : Excite vomit- 
ing, give strong tea, quinine, or gall-nuts. 

Stramonium. — Symptoms: Vomiting, giddiness, de- 
lirium, sometimes furious madness, stupor, convulsions, 
paralysis, cold sweats. Death follows if no help is ob- 
tained. Treatment: Administer tannic acid, cold 
affusions to the head, and strong coffee. Keep the 
patient in continual motion, the surface of the body 
being slapped with wet towels. 

Blue Vitriol. — When taken, it causes such severe 
vomiting as to be an antidote to itself. When this is 
not effectual, then pains in the abdomen, purging, and 
convulsions take place. Treatment: Encourage vom- 
iting with warm water, and give milk, flour and water, 
coffee, and white of an egg. 

Muriatic Acid. — A corrosive mineral poison. Symp- 
toms: Sensation of burning in the throat, the esopha- 
gus, and the stomach; styptic taste in the mouth; great 
thirst; the eyes red and sparkling; the pulse very fre- 
quent and tense; the skin hot and dry; the tongue red 
19 



29O THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

and glazed; the lips black; vomiting of blood and yel- 
low matter having the pungent odor of the acid; cold 
sweats, and delirium. Death results unless the patient 
is relieved. There are also the symptoms attending 
poisoning by Orfila; when hydrochloric acid is the 
poison, a thick white fume, of a penetrating odor, sim- 
ilar to that exhaled by the acid, issues from the mouth. 
Treatment: Administer calcined magnesia, flaxseed 
tea, lime and demulcent drinks; soap-suds, bicarbonate 
of soda. 

Sulphuric Acid. — Symptoms: Intense burning pain 
in the throat, gullet, and stomach, vomiting of sub- 
stances like coffee grounds, mixed with shreds of mucus 
and blood. Treatment: Lime, magnesia, bicarbonate 
of soda, soap-suds, infusion of wood ashes, white of 
eggs, oil, or any mild dilutent. 

Cantharides. — Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and 
purging; the matter ejected in either case being fre- 
quently bloody and purulent; writhing colic; great 
heat and irritation of the bladder and urinary organs. 
Treatment : Copious dilution with milk and demulcent 
fluids, the warm bath, opiate, frictions; camphor in- 
ternally administered and externally applied. 

Corrosive Sublimate. — This is a corrosive metallic 
poison. Symptoms: An acrid, styptic, metallic taste, 
with the sensation of fullness and burning in the throat; 
copious salivation, but not always; tearing pains of the 
stomach and intestines; nausea, and frequent vomiting 
of a fluid occasionally mixed with blood; diarrhea; 
convulsions, resulting in death. Treatment: Give large 
quantities of white of egg, diluted in water, in repeated 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 29 1 

doses. The albumen decomposes the corrosive subli- 
mate, and reduces it to a state of calomel and the pro- 
toxide, which, acting on the bowels, carries itself off 
by purging. The poison is also reduced to calomel by 
a mixture of soap and the gluten of wheat flour. The 
warm bath may also be employed; and during conva- 
lescence, the patient should subsist altogether on 
gruels, milk, and demulcent fluids. 

Creosote. — An acrid poison. Symptoms: It acts as 
a powerful topical excitant, causing inflammation of 
the tissues with which it comes in contact, and de- 
stroying life by the nervous sympathy it induces. 
Treatment : Administer freely white of eggs, then give 
direct emetics. The prostration is to be counteracted 
by ammonia and other stimulants, oleaginous and mu- 
cilaginous drinks. 

Aconite. — Symptoms: Numbness at the point of the 
tongue, with a sensation of burning in the throat, fol- 
lowed by tremors and a feeling of coldness in those 
parts; sickness and violent vomiting; giddiness; cold 
sweats; delirium; and convulsions which terminate in 
death. Treatment: Administer freely acidulous fluids 
and cordials. Cause vomiting by administering a 
tablespoonful of mustard in water, and plenty of strong 
coffee, without milk or sugar. 

Morphia. — Symptoms: Morphia in poisonous doses 
causes nearly the same symptoms as opium; the 
acetate and hydrochlorate, in doses of three to six 
grains, cause headache, vertigo, dimness of sight, con- 
traction of the pupils, vomiting, colic, diarrhea suc- 
ceeded by obstinate costiveness, retention of urine, 



292 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

great itching of the skin, sometimes accompanied with 
a papular eruption and profuse sweats; convulsions, 
sometimes of a tetanic, sometimes of an epileptic char- 
acter. The acetate, in particular, causes tetanic 
twitching, resembling electric shocks. This is not a 
fatal symptom; but in these large doses the symptoms 
of this poison terminate in death. Treatment : Give 
strong coffee, without milk or sugar, after which induce 
vomiting with mustard mixed in warm water, or 
grease in warm water. Keep the body in constant 
motion. 

Cyanide of Mercury. — Symptoms: Weight and 
pain in the head, giddiness, nausea, quick pulse, loss 
of muscular power, foaming at the mouth, strong odor 
of bitter almonds. Treatment : Cold affusions to the 
head and spine; carbonate of ammonia internally; in- 
halation of chlorine gas; small doses of chloride of lime 
or soda. The chemical antidote, if there is time for its 
administration, is peroxide of iron. 

Belladonna. — Symptoms : A sense of great dryness 
and constriction of the pharynx and esophagus, sick- 
ness, vertigo, dilated pupils and dimness of sight, 
laughter, delirium, redness and tumefaction of the face, 
convulsions. The stomach and bowels become some- 
times so paralyzed that vomiting can scarcely be pro- 
duced by the most powerful emetics, and death follows. 
Treatment : Give emetics of sulphate of zinc or of cop- 
per; then evacuate the bowels by active purgatives 
and enemas; and follow this by large doses of vin- 
egar and water, or other vegetable acids. The use of 
vinegar has been previously recommended, and it is 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 293 

said that emetics act with more certainty after its use; 
after the vomiting, strong coffee proves very effi- 
cacious. 

Prussic Acid. — Symptoms : If the quantity be large, 
death takes place instantly, but smaller quantities pro- 
duce giddiness, loss of sight, and fainting. The pecul- 
iar smell is often perceptible about the mouth. Treat- 
ment: Give ammonia and water, and apply a bottle of 
smelling-salts to the nose; dash cold water in the face, 
and give stimulants, as whisky, etc. 

Hemlock. — A narcotic vegetable poison, deriving its 
poisonous properties from an alkaline principle called 
conia. Symptoms: Sickness, difficulty of respiration, 
great anxiety, vertigo, delirium, which often rises to 
maniacal frenzy, dilatation of the pupils, stupor, con- 
vulsions resulting in death. Treatment ; Take twenty 
grains of sulphate of zinc and two tablespoonfuls of 
water, and administer at once. Make your patient 
vomit; pour cold water on the head, give freely of vin- 
egar and water or any other acidulous liquid. 

Strychnia. — Symptoms : This is lockjaw; the body 
is bent backward like a bow so as to rest on the feet 
and head only. Treatment : Empty the stomach by 
an emetic, then give linseed tea, barley water, and lau- 
danum to relieve the spasms; about thirty drops of the 
tincture to an adult. Give plenty of powdered char- 
coal suspended in the water. If the spasms have set 
in, chloroform should be given, or large doses of 
chloral. 

Chloroform. — In threatened death from chloroform, 
the tongue should immediately be pulled forward with 



294 THE FAMILY DOCTOR. 

hooked forceps, and the stomach forcibly pressed up; 
artificial respiration should be resorted to without de- 
lay, and galvanism; the patient should be placed in a 
current of cold air, and the chest and extremities 
slapped with a wet towel. The head, if the face is pale, 
should be lowered; if turgid, should be raised. Arti- 
ficial respiration should be kept up for a long period, 
even after all appearance of life has ceased. 

Poisonous Insects. — The Tarantula, Scorpion, Hor- 
net, Wasp, Bee, Gnat, Gad-fly, Sand-fly, etc., are some 
of these, In general, the sting or bite of these insects 
causes only a slight degree of pain and swelling; but 
occasionally the symptoms are more violent, and sick- 
ness, fever, and sometimes death, result in consequence. 
Treatment ; Ammonia and oil may be rubbed on the 
affected part, and a piece of rag moistened in the same, 
or in salt and water, may be applied till the pain is re- 
lieved. Small doses of spirits of ammonia may also 
be given internally, with warm dilutents, or wine and 
water. The sting may often be removed by making 
pressure over it with the barrel of a watch key. 



INDEX. 



A. 

Abdominal fever in 

Absorbtion by the stom- 
ach 55 

Absorption in intestines. 57 
Absorbtion of nutrient flu- 
ids 58 

Abstinence from food .... 107 
Acids in the stomach .... 23 
Aconite, poisoning, anti- 
dotes, 291 

Action of drugs on the 

system 36 

Acton of fever upon the 

system 109 

Acute Catarrh, treatment 

for 153 

Acute rheumatism 257 

Adhesive plaster for 

wounds. 271 

Ague 118 

A healthy body 15 

Air bathing 39 

Air cells 40 

Air, fresh in sick-room . . 71 
Air in sleeping apart- 
ments 41 

Air, in the sick-room, 

pure 40 

Air, pure 38 

Albumen 45, 52 

Albuminous elements, 

proportion of in food . . 46 

Alimentary canal 25 

Americans, artificial 

method of living of , . : . 25 

An economy of nature ... 56 

Animal food 75 

Animals, domestic, care, 

of 26 



Antiseptics 83 

Apoplexy 24 

Appetite, tempting the . . 75 

Apples, value of 242 

Arsenical poisoning, anti- 
dotes 283 

Artery, to stop bleeding 

from 270 

Artery, to tie, 271 

Artificial methods of liv- 
ing 26 

Asiatic cholera 236 

Asiatic cholera, first sym- 

toms 236 

Asiatic cholera, treat- 
ment for 236 

A species of neuralgia. . . 185 

Asphyxiation 263 

Asthma, remedy for 83 

Atomizer 54 

Attendants, instructions 

to 73 

Attention to patients .... too 

Bacteriology 27 

Baking soda for burns . . . 267 

Baron Cuvier 47 

Bathing 44 

Baths and treatment.. .. 85 

Bath, cold 85, 87 

Bathing daily 61 

Bathing frequent 60 

Bath, full 86 

Bath, hot 86, 87 

Baths, hot-air 86 

Bath, plunge 62 

Bath, shower 62 

Bath, sponge 62 

Bath, steam 87 

[295] 



296 



INDEX. 



Bath, temperature of . . . . 86 

Bath, tub 62 

Baths, vapor 86 

Bed, position of 74 

Beef tea 48 

Beef tea stimulating 108 

Belladonna, poisoning, 

antidotes 292 

Black, or Putrid measles. 131 

Bladder, catarrh of 250 

Bladder, inflammation of 249 

Bleeding from the nose. . 156 

Blood, circulation of . . . . 44 

Bloody flux 240 

Blue Vitriol, poisoning, 

antidotes, 289 

Bile, action of 55 

Bilious colic 225 

Bilious headache 168 

Bilious fever 123 

Biliousness, cause of . . . . 24 

Bites of snakes 273 

Brain fever 159 

Brain fever, cause of . . . . 156 

Brain fever, symptoms . . 159 

Brain fever, treatment . . 160 

Bronchitis 218 

Bronchitis, description of 218 

Bronchitis, remedy for . . 83 

Bronchitis, treatment for 218 

Bruises 272 

Bruises, to prevent dis- 
coloration from 272 

Burns and scalds 267 

Burns, treatment for. . . . 268 

c. 

Canker 157 

Canker, cause of 157 

Cantharides, poisoning, 

antidote 290 

Carbonic acid gas .... 40, 262 

Carelessness in eating. . . 234 

Care of the sick 71 

Caseine 45 

Catarrh, acute 153 



Catarrhal fever 155 

Catarrh of bladder 250 

Catarrh of the bowels, 

remedy for 83 

Catarrh of the stomach, 

remedy for 83 

Cathartic, a brisk 82 

Catheter, to use 255 

Cause of accumulation of 

flesh 24 

Cause of apoplexy 24 

Cause of biliousness .... 24 

Cause of cold 35, 102 

Cause of colds in infants. 69 

Cause of disease 30 

Cause of fermentation. . . 18 

Cause of hysteria 174 

Cause of paralysis 24 

Cause of sleeplessness. . . 172 
Cerebro-spinal meningitis 147 
Cerebro-spinal meningi- 
tis, characteristic symp- 
toms 147 

Cerebro-spinal meningi- 
tis, remedies for 149 

Cerebro-spinal meningi- 
tis, spasm 147 

Cerebro-spinal meningi- 
tis, symptoms 147 

Cerebro-spinal meningi- 
tis, to distinguish 148 

Cerebro-spinal meningi- 
tis, treatment for 149 

Cheerfulness 75 

Cheese, objectionable . . . 242 

Chicken-pox 145 

Chicken-pox, diet 145 

Chicken-pox, mildness. . . 145 
Chicken-pox, resemblance 

to small-pox 145 

Chicken-pox, symptoms. . 145 
Chicken-pox, treatment 

for... 145 

Chilblains 261 

Chilblains, prevention... 261 
Chilblains, treatment for. 261 



INDEX. 



297 



Children, care of 53 

Children, out door life 

for, 59 

Children's teething, to al- 
lay irritation 82 

Children versus coffee ... 49 

Chills and fever 118 

Chills, a precursor of 

fever 107 

Chloride of antimony, 

poisoning, antidote. ... 285 
Chloride of tin, poisoning, 

antidote 284 

Chloroform, over dose, 

antidotes 293 

Choking 204 

Cholera infantum . . . .82, 231 
Cholera infantum, cause 

of 231 

Cholera infantum, symp- 
toms 231 

Cholera infantum, treat- 
ment for 232 

Cholera morbus 234 

Cholera morbus, remedy 

for 83 

Cholera morbus, symp- 
toms of 234 

Cholera morbus, treat- 
ment for 235 

Chronic diseases, origin 

of 21 

Chyle 57 

Chyme 54 

Circulation defective.... 116 

Circulation, to increase . . 115 

Clothes catching fire. . . . 268 

Coffee 49 

Combinations of foods ... 47 

Common sense 26 

Compresses 96 

Concussion of brain ..... 161 
Concussion of brain, 

symptoms 161 

Concussion of brain, 

treatment for 162 



Condiments 24 

Congested kidneys 256 

Congestion a cause of 

diphtheria 207 

Congestion, internal .... 61 

Congestive chills 120 

Congestive headache. ... 170 

Constipation 43, 241 

Constipation, causes of.. 241 
Constipation, remedy for 82 
Constipation, treatment 

for 242 

Constitutional diseases . . 20 
Contaminated drinking 

water 116 

Contaminated milk 11 1 

Controlling the tempera- 
ture 87 

Convalescence 108 

Convulsions, a symptom. 177 
Convulsions, causes of. . . 177 
Convulsions in adults, ... 178 
Convulsions, infantile... 178 
Convulsions, treatment 

for. 178 

Colchicum, poisoning an- 
tidote 288 

Cold enemas 97 

Cold feet 104 

Cold in the head 153 

Colds 213 

Colds, cause of. . .35, 102 213 

Coldsores 191 

Colds, to cure 214 

Cold treatment for frost 

bites 260 

Cold water as a stimulant 85 

Colic 225 

Colic a symptom of de- 
rangement 225 

Colic in adults, treatment 

for 226 

Colic in infants 225 

Colic in infants, treat- 
ment for 226 

Colic, remedy for 83 



298 



INDEX. 



Colic, symptoms 225 

Collapse in Asiatic cholera 237 

Colon, length of 57 

Colon, the 57 

Cooling after bath 89 

Corrosive sublimate as a 

disinfectant 276 

Corrosive sublimate, poi- 
soning, antidotes 290 

Corset wearing 69 

Costiveness 241 

Coughs 213 

Cough, remedy for 83 

Covering heads of infants 68 
Creation, God's design in 26 
Creosote, poisoning, anti- 
dotes 291 

Croup 215 

Croup, remedy for 83 

Croup, symptoms 215 

Croup, treatment for. ... 215 
Curability of lockjaw. . . . 184 
Cyanide of mercury, poi- 
soning, antidotes 292 

D. 

Daily bathing 60 

Dainties for the sick .... 75 

Danger from fevers 109 

Deficient circulation. .61, 116 

Delirium, to relieve 114 

Deodorants 276 

Depression 116 

Depression of nerves in 

measles 131 

Desire for knowledge .... 28 

Diagnosis 76 

Diarrhea , 239 

Diarrhea an early symp- 
tom 107 

Diarrhea, causes of 239 

Diarrhea in measles 130 

Diarrhea, remedy for. ... 82 

Diarahea, treatment for. 239 

Diet, a moist 60 

Diet, concentrated 60 



Diet during convalescence 108 

Diet for chills and fever. 122 

Diet for fever patients. . . 107 
Diet for infants in cholera 

infantum 233 

Diet in Asiatic cholera . . 238 

Diet in constipation 242 

Diet in scarlet fever 137 

Diet of sick 75 

Digestion 51 

Digestion, time of 34 

Digitalis, poisoning, anti- 
dote 287 

Diphtheria 206 

Diphtheria, causes of . . ... 206 

Diphtheria germ 207 

Diphtheria most preva- 
lent with girls 206 

Diphtheria, symptoms . . . 207 

Diphtheria, treatment for 208 

Directions for baths .... 99 
Directions for disinfecting 

fluid 116 

Directions to evert eye- 
lids 190 

Disease an effort of na- 
ture 21 

Disease, cause of 16, 30 

Disease, conditions of. 19, 20 

Disease germs 19 

Disease, inherited 63 

Disease not an enemy. . . 35 

Disease, remedies for. . . 38 

Disease, signals of 76 

Disease, source of. 17, 18, 35 
Diseases,. rules for ascer- 
taining nature of 77 

Disease, what is it.. ..21, 36 

Disinfection 276 

Disinfecting fluids, to 

make 116 

Disinfection, rules for. . . 276 
Disposition, hereditary . . 65 
Dogs, experiments in feed- 
ing 46 

Dress of infants 68 



INDEX. 



299 



Drinking at meal times . 34, 49 

Drinks for fever 107 

Dripping-wet sheet 94 

Drowning 262 

Drowning, to restore from 263 

Drugs 22, 36 

Dumb ague 118 

Duration of pack 95 

Duration of whooping 

cough 219 

Dysentery 240 

Dysentery, treatment for . 240 
Dyspeptic headache .... 167 



Earache 195 

Ear, a wonder of the 

body 194 

Ear, inflammation of . .. 194 
Ear, foreign substances in 197 

Early rising 41 

Early symptoms 107 

Early treatment for diph- 
theria 208 

Eating between meals ... 27 

Eating, errors in 31 

Eating, frequent 34 

Eating, hasty 33 

Eating, rapid 54 

Effects of air on disease 

germs 38 

Effects of drugs on the 

system 22 

Effects of ignorance.... 17 
Effects of meat eating ... 33 

Effects of pure air 39 

Effects of typhus poison . 125 
Elimination of foreign 

matter. 107 

Emaciation 24 

Emotion, effect of on sa- 
liva 53 

Enema, the 97 

Equalizing circulation. . . 104 

Equilibrium 22 

Erysipelas 1 50 



Erysipelas, cutaneous, 

symptoms 1 50 

Erysipelas, diet, impor- 
tance of 152 

Erysipelas, remedies.... 152 
Erysipelas, surgical, 

symptoms 151 

Erysipelas, treatment for 151 
Erysipelas, two classes.. 150 
Excrement, danger of re- 
tention of in bowels ... 70 

Excessive feeding 108 

Exercise 52 

Exercise for the sick .... 75 

Eye, inflammation of . . . . 187 

Eyelid, to evert . . 190 

F. 

Face-ache 185 

Fainting 211 

False croup 115 

False delicacy 69 

False membrane to re- 
move 209 

Farmer, care of for stock 64 

Fats 45 

Fats in food 45 

Fats, nutritive value of . . 46 

Fever, contagiousness of. 72 

Fever heat, how made. . . 104 

Fever, how to get rid of . . 22 

Fever, origin of 102 

Fevers 102 

Fever tablet 82 

Fever, treatment for ... 104 

Fever, what it is 21 

Flesh, accumulation of.. 24 

Flesh food 32 

Flour, whole-wheat 46 

Flowers in sick-room .... 74 
Fluid, absorption of in 

the stomach 55 

Flux 240 

Fomentations 96 

Food and diet 45 

Food, best for body 52 



3oo 



INDEX. 



Food chemistry of 52 

Foods, combinations of. . 47 
Food, constituents of . . . . 45 

Food elements 52 

Food elements, propor- 

tionment of 47 

Food for the sick 74, 75 

Food, quantity of 52 

Food, rich, effect of 27 

Food, true 45 

Foot-bath 93 

Foreign bodies in the 

esophagus 204 

Foreign bodies in the eye 192 
Foreign matter, accumu- 
lation of 30 

Foreign matter, mode of 

entrance 16 

Foreign substances in the 

body 102 

Fountain syringe for treat- 
ing the ear 195 

Fox-glove, poisoning, anti- 
dotes 287 

Fractured skull 161 

Freezing 260 

Fruits 107 

Fumigation 280 

GL 

Gases in the stomach ... 23 

Gastric juice 54 

Gastric juice, amount of, 

secreted daily 54 

General debility, remedy 

for 82 

Germicide 83 

Germicide, oxygen as a . . 72 

Germicide, the best 276 

Germs 28, 103 

Germs of diphtheria 207 

Gluten 45 

Gouty headache 169 

Granulated lids 189 

Granulated lids, treat- 
ment for 189 



Greek athletes 32 

H. 

Habits, regular 67 

Headache 166 

Headache, Bilious, sick-, 

treatment for 168 

Headache congestive, 

treatment for 170 

Headache, diet 171 

Headache, dyspeptic, 

treatment for 167 

Headache, neuralgic, 

treatment for 169 

Headache, nervious, 

treatment for 168 

Headache, rheumatic, 

treatment for 170 

Health 18 

Health a safeguard 37 

Health, what is it , 15 

Heat, animal 40 

Heavy skirts 69 

Hemlock, poisoning, anti- 
dotes 293 

Hemorrhage from wounds 270 

Hereditary headaches. . . 166 

Hernia 227 

High fever 98 

High temperature during 

chill 106 

Hip- or Sitz-bath 91 

Hog, trichina in the 47 

How colds affect the sys- 
tem 214 

How to apply the steam - 

bath 88 

How to disinfect rooms . . 280 

How to get rid of fever. . 22 

Hot water bag 90, 98 

Hysteria 174 

Hysteria, symptoms 175 

Hysteria, treatment for . . 176 

I. 

Ices 34 



INDEX. 



301 



Immunity against colds. . 61 
Importance of attending 
to diarrhea in Asiatic 

cholera 236 

Importance of disinfection 116 
Importance of keeping the 

pores open 44 

Importance of use of water 62 

Improper food 27, 31 

Indigestion 23 

Indiscretion in eating... 108 
Infantile diarrhea, rem- 
edy for 82 

Infant, nursing 65 

Infants, care of 63 

Infant's convulsions, rem- 
edy for 82 

Infant's, dress of 68 

Infants, errors in feeding 65 

Infants, fresh air for. ... 68 

Infants, sleep of 67 

Infants, systematic diet of 66 

Infants, time of meals for 66 

Infection 103 

Infection of inflamed eyes 187 

Inflammation of bladder. 249 
Inflammation of bladder, 

causes of 249 

Inflammation of bladder, 

treatment for 251 

Inflammation of bowels. 227 
Inflammation of bowels, 

treatment for 228 

Inflammation of brain. . . 159 
Inflammation of the ear. . 194 
Inflammation of the ear, 

cause of 194 

Inflammation of the ear, 

treatment for 194 

Inflammation of the eye. 187 
Inflammation of the eye, . 

symptoms 187 

Inflammation of the eyes, 

treatment for 188 

Inflammation of kidneys. 253 
Inflammation of kidneys, 

cause of 253 



Inflammation of kidneys, 

treatment for 253 

Inflammation of stomach 23 

Inflammatory rheumatism 257 

Influenza 155 

Inherited disorders 20 

Insects in the ear, to re- 
move 197 

Instructions for use of 

thermometer 105 

Instructions to attendants 73 

Intermittent fever 124 

Internal congestion 61 

Interval between meals . . 34 

Intestinal juice, action of 56 

Intestine, length of ... . 55 

Intestines, digestion in.. 55 

Intestines, structure of.. 55 
Intoxication from meat 

eating 48 

Irish vegetarians 32 

Irritant poisons 281 

Japanese athletes 32 

Japanese wrestler 32 

K. 

Kneading the bowels .... 243 

Lacerated wounds 270 

Lactic acid 257 

La grippe 155 

La grippe, remedy for . . 83 
Laudanum, poisoning, 

antidotes, 288 

Laws of health, transgres- 
sion of 61 

Lemonade 109 

Liability to cold 61 

Lime in the eye 193 

Liquors, medicinal use of 48 
Liver, effects of pure air 

on 44 

Lockjaw 182 

Lockjaw, treatment for. . 183 



302 



INDEX. 



Longevity of our ancestors 26 

Low temperature 107 

Lung fever 221 

Lungs, the 40 

Lymphatic glands 58 

Malaria 1 18 

Malarial fever 123 

Malarial germ, the. ..... 118 

Malarial poison 122 

Man's natural dwelling 

place 40 

Mastication 53 

Mastication, incomplete. 33 
Meals, number of, for 

children . . . , 67 

Measles 128 

Measles, differ from small- 
pox 129 

Measles, how distinguished 129 
Measles, period of incuba- 
tion 128 

Measles, symptoms 128 

Measles, treatment for. . . 130 

Meat diet during fever. . . 107 

Meat stimulating 33 

Medicines, cause of unre- 
liability 79 

Medicines, how to pre- 
scribe 78 

Medicines, pure. 79 

Medicines, regulation of 

doses of 78 

Medicines, special direc- 
tions for taking. ...... 81 

Membranous croup 215 

Milk 108 

Mineral poisons 282 

Mineral waters 43 

Moist diet 60 

Morbid matter. . 31 

Morphine, poisoning, an- 
tidotes 291 

Mothers, overwork of . . . . 65 

Mouth, the 53 



Mucous membrane, the 57, 59 
Mufflers 213 

MumpS igg 

Mumps, symptoms of... 199 
Mumps, treatment for. . . 200 
Muriatic acid, poisoning, 

antidotes 289 

Muscular pain, to relieve 84 

IN. 

Narcotic poisons 281 

Natural food of man .... 47 
Natural temperature of 

body ! . . 105 

Nature its own healer. . ^ 16 

Nature of poisons 281 

Nature's doctor. ........ 29 

Natures laws 17, 31 

Nausea and vomiting, 

remedy for 83 

Neglect of outhouses .... 112 

Neglect of bathing 60 

Nervous excitement, rem- 
edy for 82 

Nervous fever in 

Nervous headache 168 

Neuralgia 180 

Neuralgia, causes of. ... . 179 
Neuralgia of the stomach. 83 
Neuralgia, peculiar forms 

180, 185 

Neuralgia, remedy for. . . 84 
Neuralgia, to relieve pain 

of.. 181 

Neuralgia, treatment for. 181 

Neuralgic headache 169 

Nine-day fits 179 

Niter, poisoning, antidote 284 
Nitrate of silver, poison- 
ing, antidotes 286 

Noise in sick-room 73 

Nosebleed 156 

Nose, foreign substances 

in 197 

Nurses, health of 72 

Nursing sore mouth 157 



INDEX. 



303 



Nux vomica, poisoning, 
antidotes 287 

o. 

Object of sponge-bath. . . 93 
Opium, poisoning, anti- 
dotes 286 

Origin of chronic diseases 

21, 22 

Overloading stomach. ... 18 
Overwork of the digestive 

organs 20 

Oxygen . . ..40, 52 

Oxygen as a germicide . . 72 

R. 

Pain, acute, remedy for. 83 

Pain in stomach 226 

Painter's colic 225 

Pain, to relieve 83 

Pancreas, the 55 

Pancreatic juice, action 

of 56 

Paralysis, cause of 24 

Parasites in meat 33 

Parents, responsibility of 63 

Patient, food for 74 

Patient, position of 74 

Patient, should two nurse 

a 72 

Period of incubation. ... 103 

Peristalsis 56 

Peritonitis 229 

Peritonitis, causes of . . . . 229 

Peritonitis, symptoms . . . 229 

Peritonitis, treatment for 229 

Pernicious fever 120 

Pernicious habit. ....... 213 

Phosphorus 46 

Phosphorus poisoning, 

antidotes 257 

Pickles 25 

Piles . 243 

Pills, cause of constipa- 
tion m . 241 

Pin-worm 244 



Pitting, to prevent 144 

Pleurisy 221 

Pleurisy, symptoms 221 

Pleurisy, treatment for . . 223 

Pleuro-pneumonia 222 

Pneumonia. 221 

Pneumonia, remedy for . . 83 

Pneumonia, symptoms. . . 222 
Pneumonia, treatment 

for 223 

Poisoning from vines and 

shrubs 274 

Poisonous gases ..." 262 

Poisonous insects, bite of 294 
Poisons and their anti- 
dotes 281 

Poisons, nature of 281 

Pouring-head bath 93 

Practical information . . . 100 
Precautions in applying 

cold no 

Precautions in scarlet 

fever 138 

Prenatal influences 64 

Prevention of sunstroke. 163 
Prompt treatment in Asi- 
atic cholera 237 

Proper amount of nourish- 
ment 108 

Proper combinations of 

food 47 

Properties of water 42 

Prussic acid, poisoning, 

antidotes 293 

Pulse, rate of 77 

Pulse, the 75, 76 

Pure water 42, 59 

Purgatives cause of con- 
stipation 241 

Q- 

Quinsy 201 

R. 

Rain-water 59 

Regularity of the bowels . 241 



304 



INDEX. 



Relieving internal conges- 
tion 88 

Remedies an aid to nature 17 
Remedies for disease .... 38 

Remittent fever 123 

Respiration, full, need of 39 
Restlessness, remedy for. 82 
Results where disease is 

not eliminated 23 

Retention of urine 255 

Retention of waste mat- 
ters 57 

Rheumatic headache. . . . 169 

Rheumatism ... 84 

Rheumatism, acute 257 

Rheumatism, cause of . . . 257 
Rheumatism, inflamma- 
tory 257 

Rheumatism, symptoms. 257 
Rheumstism, treatment 

for 258 

Round- or stomach worm 244 

Rules for bathing 99 

Rules for disinfection .... 276 
Running from the ear. . . 195 



Saliva, the 34, 53 

Salt 25 

Scarlatina 131 

Scarlatina anginosa 134 

Scarlatina maligna. 134 

Scarlatina simplex 133 

Scarlet fever 132 

Scarlet fever, diet 137 

Scarlet fever, how distin- 
guished 135 

Scarlet fever, how propa- 
gated 132 

Scarlet fever, premonitory 

symptoms. 135 

Scarlet fever, symptoms. 133 
Scarlet fever, treatment 

for 136 

Scotch vegetarians 32 

Sedative 82 



Severed artery 270 

Severity of smallpox mod- 
ified 143 

Sewerage 28 

Sick, care of 71 

Sick, diet of 75 

Sick, exercise for the. ... 75 

Sick-headache 167 

Sick, rest of 72 

Sick-room, flowers in. . . . 74 

Sick-room, order in 74 

Sick-room, sunlight in. . . 74 

Sick-room, temperature of 71 

Sick-room, whispering in 74 

Sick, visitors for 72 

Sick, watchers for 73- 

Size of fomentation cloths 96 

Skin, cleanliness of 44 

Skin, the pores of 59 

Skin, the 44 

Sleep 41 

Sleep as a remedy 41 

Sleep as a restorer 73 

Sleep, importance of for 

patient 73 

Sleeplessness 172 

Sleeplessness, treatment 

for 173 

Slightburns, treatment for 267 

Slow digestion, cause of. 34 

Smallpox 139 

Smallpox, disinfection ... 144 

Smallpox, remedies. .... 144 

Smallpox, symptoms .... 139 

Smallpox, three stages.. 139 

Smallpox, treatment for. 143 

Snake bites, antidotes . . . 273 

Snuffles 153 

Special directions. ...... 81 

Spirit vapor-bath 90 

Spirit vapor-bath in bed . 90 
Sponge-bath for fever pa- 
tients 92 

Spotted fever 147 

Spraying throat in diph- 
theria 210 



INDEX. 



305 



Source of recovery 16 

Starch, digestion of 53 

Starch, proportion of in 

food 45 

Steam-bath for abdomen . 89 
Stimulants in fever . ... 115 
Stimulating remedies to 

be avoided 253 

Stimulating the skin .... 87 

Stimulation 33, 48 

Stomach, cramp in, rem- 
edy for 83 

Stomach, digestion in . . . 54 
Stomach of infants, over- 
loading 66 

Stomach, structure of . . . 55 
Stomach, temperature of 35 
Stone in the bladder. . . . 250 
Stramonium, poisoning, 

antidotes 289 

Strichnine, poisoning, an- 
tidotes 293 

Styes 191 

Substitutes for tea and 

coffee 50 

Suffocation 262 

Sulphuric acid, poisoning, 

antidotes 290 

Sunlight , 38 

Sunlight in sick-room ... 74 

Sunstroke 163 

Sunstroke, prevention of 163 
Sunstroke, symptoms . . . 163 
Sunstroke, treatment for 164 
Suppression of urine .... 256 
Suspended animation . . . 262 

Sweetmeats 67 

Swooning 211 

Sympathy between skin 

and internal organs. ... 44 
System, mechanism of 
the human 16 



Table of nutritive values 46 



Tapeworm 247 

Tapeworm, to remove . . . 248 
Tartar emetic, poisoning, 

antidotes 288 

Tea and coffee substitutes 50 
Teeth, food necessary for 

the development of . . . 65 

Temperance 49 

Temperature of fever .... 106 

Temperature of sick-room 71 

Temperatures, table of.. 86 

The human system ...... 16 

Thermometer, use of. 86, 105 
The stomach, its impor- 
tance 18 

The system invaded by 

germs 27 

Thirst 60 

Thorough mastication ... 49 

Thread-worm 245 

Thrush 157 

Tight bands for infants . . 68 

Time for sponge-bath... 91 

Time of digestion 66 

Tobacco 50 

To control temperature . . 109 

To increase circulation . . 115 

Tonic 82 

Tonsilitis 201 

Tonsilitis, symptoms .... 201 

Tonsilitis treatment for . . 202 

Toothache 158 

To prevent colds 213 

To prevent pitting in 

smallpox 144 

To produce sweating. ... 95 
To remove foreign bodies 

in the throat 205 

To remove obstructions 

in the ear 197 

To remove substances 

from the eye 192 

To remove obstructions in 

the nose 197 

To restore from drowning 263 

To relieve constipation . . 97 



306 



INDEX. 



To ventilate a sick-room . 297 
To wash out the bladder. 251 
Towel- or sponge-bath. . . 91 
Treatment for chills and 

fever 121 

Treatments for fever. ... 104 
Treatment for typhoid 

fever 114 

Treatment for men and 

animals 26 

Trichina 47 

True croup 215 

Typhoid fever 111 

Typhoid fever, treatment 

for 114 

Typhoid germ in 

Typhoid germs in cattle. 112 

Typhoid infection 1 1 1 

Typhoid symptoms 112 

Typho-malarial fever. ... 123 

Typhus fever 125 

Typhus fever, eruption'. . 126 
Typhus fever, symptoms 125 
Typhus fever, treatment 

for 127 

u. 

Underclothing of infants . 69 
Urine, danger of reten- 
tion of 70 

Use of hot-bath 87 

V, 

Vaccination 142, 143 

Varioloid 142 

Vegetarian diet 33 

Ventilation 38 

Ventilation of sick-room . 277 
Verdigris, poisoning, anti- 
dote 288 

Vermicular motion 54 

Vermin poison, poisoning, 

antidote, 288 

Villi 58 



Vitality 22 

Vititated air 68 

w. 

Wants of nature 69 

Water as a solvent .... 44, 59 
Water drinking during 

fever 107 

Water, effects of on the 

skin 43 

Water, effects of on the 

system 85 

Water essential to the 

body 60 

Water, hard 43 

Water in health and dis- - 

ease 59 

Water, per cent of in the 

body 43 

Water, soft 43 

Water, treatment with. . . 61 

Water, use of 28, 42 

Way to health 31, 62 

Wet-sheet pack 94 

Wet-towel night-cap.... 97 
What produces fever .... 102 

Wheelock's Mills 242 

Whisky for snake bites . . 273 
White bread, effects of . . 65 
White lead, poisoning, an- 
tidotes 285 

Whole- wheat flour 242 

Whooping-cough 219 

Whooping-cough, remedy 

for 220 

Why patent medicines 

exist 25 

Worm colic 225 

Worms 244 

Worms, treatment for. . . 246 
Wounds 270 

Y. 

Young, Doctor 41 






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